Eurobasket Daily News Report: 1/12/2013 4:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/12/2013 4:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ABA

EBA & ABA Powerhouses set to collide - by Gianni Pascucci

Its a game that has been years in the making! Its a battle of New York & New Jersey! Its potentially the best that Minor League Basketball has to offer!
The Jersey Express of the American Basketball Association have agreed to host the New York Wizards of the Eastern Basketball Alliance in an interleague battle at Centenary Colleges beautiful John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center in Hackettstown NJ on Saturday January 26th at 7 PM.
What makes this game special? Many reasons !
Perhaps most important is that these two teams are real professional minor league basketball teams. They practice, play at quality facilities, have players European Scouts and Coaches have avid interest in, and they win!
"Marsha Blount and I have been talking for about 3 years now in terms of attempting to arrange a game" Stated Wizards head Coach Greg Cerillo Sr "I respect her and her organization so much. When we finally had dates that aligned I think we both felt a bit of excitement".
Truly these two teams are exactly what minor league basketball is all about. Both teams are loaded with former college talent and many former Division I players! No mens league superstars or YouTube sensations here! These teams can flat out ball! In 4 years of play in the EBA the Wizards have won 2 Division Titles and made 2 Final Four appearances. The Wizards have also had 9 players ink paid contracts or overseas deals in the past 14 months.
The Express are a perianal powerhouse in the ABA and currently lead the Northeast Division with a 2-1 record and a 120 PPG average. The Express scoring is distributed among 7 players averaging double digits! Express leading scorers include Bill McDonough (6'7''-F, college: Richard Stockton) at 19 PPG and Devon Young (6'3''-G/F-89, agency: BBEH Cokrlija, college: Felician) at 18 PPG.
The Wizards have a stifling defense which has held their two opponents to an 89 PPG average while averaging 130 PPG on the offensive end for a +41 point winning margin per contest.
"All the averages and stats are out the window at this point" continued Cerillo "We will rely on what has always made us successful. We are going to get the ball in the hand of our experienced players and Captains Aubin Scott (6'2''-G-83, college: LIU Brooklyn), Eric Ferguson and Brandon Lawley, and have them lead us."
The Wizards are led in scoring by Khalil McDonald (6'6''-F, college: Queens, NY) averaging 37 PPG, Brandon Lawley (6'7''-F/C-85, college: Mansfield, PA)'s 17 rebounds per game, and center Anthony Cox (6'9''-C-83, college: Farmingdale St.) averaging 15 PPG and 13 RPG. The Wizards also get exceptional shooting from Shavar Richardson (6'3''-G-89, college: Florida Atlantic) at 21 PPG and added punch from SaiQuon Stone (6'6''-G/F-87, college: S.Mississippi) s 12.5 PPG and 4.5 steals per game.
If that is not enough Trinity Fields (6'2''-G) adds 8 PPG and 5 APG to go with 2 time EBA MVP Aubin Scotts14 PPG and 9 APG!
The Wizards can also count on Rob Hampton (6'4''-G/F-88, college: Norfolk St.) and Tim Zephyr (6'8''-F-87, college: Norfolk St.) to produce since being added to the roster after returning home from playing in Chile

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Regatas C.		20-7
2. Lanus		19-8
3. Penarol		18-8
4. Olimpico LB		17-11
5. Boca Jrs		15-11
6. Libertad S.		15-11
7. Quimsa		15-12
8. Argentino		15-13
9. Atenas		14-14
10. Sionista		13-15
11. GECR Indalo		12-15
12. Wuber-Est.Bahia		10-15
13. Union Progr.		9-17
14. 9 de Julio		9-18
15. Obras		7-19
16. La Union		7-21

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 15

Mar. 1: Sionista - Libertad S.
Mar. 1: Boca Jrs - Wuber-Est.Bahia
Mar. 1: 9 de Julio - GECR Indalo
Mar. 1: Olimpico LB - La Union
Mar. 1: Regatas C. - Quimsa
Mar. 1: Obras - Penarol
Mar. 1: Argentino - Lanus
Mar. 1: Atenas - Union Progr.

Round 5

Jan. 9: La Union - Libertad S. 87-81
Jan. 9: Lanus - Penarol 82-84 OT
Jan. 9: Argentino - Regatas C. 80-82
Jan. 9: Atenas - Obras 102-94

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  Union Progr.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Phillip, Union Pro.	19.2
2. Gutierrez, Obras	18.1
3. Roby, Wuber-Es.	17.5
4. Nelson, 9 de Julio	17.4
5. Jackson, GECR I.	17.3
6. Lewis, La Union	17.2
7. Fizer, Wuber-Es.	17.2
8. DeGroat, Boca Jrs	16.2
9. Lytch, Argentino	15.4
10. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  Union Progr.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Phillip, Union Pro.	11.8
2. Clancy, Olimpico.	11.4
3. Gutierrez, Obras	10.2
4. Kammerichs, Regat.	8.4
5. Seawright, GECR I.	7.7
6. Williams, Quimsa	7.6
7. Fierro, Atenas	7.5
8. Sanchez, Libertad.	7.4
9. Battle, Lanus	7.3
10. Mata, Penarol	7.3

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 7

1. Campazzo, Penarol	7.0
2. Martinez, Regat.	5.0
3. Labaque, Atenas	4.1
4. De los Santo., Arg.	4.0
5. Laprovittola, Lanus	3.9
6. Cajal, Union Progr.	3.7
7. Treise, Libertad S.	3.7
8. Aguirre, Quimsa	3.7
9. Ciorciari, GECR I.	3.7
10. Cequeira, Sionista	3.6

Steals Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Campazzo, Penarol	2.3
2. Pau, Olimpico LB	2.3
3. Lescano, Atenas	2.0
4. Ciorciari, GECR I.	1.9
5. Washam, Regatas C.	1.7
6. Ramirez, Olimpico.	1.7
7. Aguirre, Quimsa	1.6
8. Faggiano, Wuber-.	1.5
9. Lewis, La Union	1.4
10. Espinoza, Obras	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Sam CLANCY
  Olimpico.
  (202-C-80)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Clancy, Olimpico.	2.1
2. Battle, Lanus	1.3
3. Torres, Wuber-Es.	1.0
4. Gutierrez, Obras	1.0
5. Santiago, Boca Jrs	0.9
6. Mata, Penarol	0.8
7. Kammerichs, Regat.	0.8
8. Meyinsse, Regat.	0.8
9. Ayarza, 9 de Julio	0.8
10. Meyinsse, Sionista	0.8

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ASEAN LEAGUE

Standings

O Standings

1. Petron Blaze			1-0
2. KL Dragons			0-0
3. Saigon H.			0-0
4. Singapore S.			0-0
5. Thailand S.			0-0
6. Indonesia W.			0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Jan. 11: Indonesia W. - Petron Blaze 53-64
Jan. 12: Saigon H. - KL Dragons
Jan. 12: Singapore S. - Thailand S.

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		13-3
2. Wildcats		10-4
3. Kings		10-7
4. Hawks		8-7
5. Tigers		5-8
6. Taipans		5-10
7. 36ers		5-11
8. Crocodiles		5-11

Regular Season: Round 14

Jan. 11: Hawks - Taipans 81-94
Jan. 11: Crocodiles - Breakers 78-82
Jan. 13: 36ers - Kings
Jan. 13: Wildcats - Tigers

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Ben MADGEN
  Kings
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Madgen, Kings	19.1
2. Ervin, Crocodiles	18.1
3. Jackson, Breakers	16.6
4. Lisch, Wildcats	16.5
5. Wilson, Taipans	15.9
6. Johnson, 36ers	15.0
7. Knight, Wildcats	14.3
8. Goulding, Tigers	14.2
9. Redhage, Wildcats	13.4
10. Scott, Tigers	13.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jacob HOLMES
  Crocodiles
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Holmes, Crocodiles	8.3
2. Johnson, 36ers	7.9
3. Crosswhite, Kings	7.2
4. Lazare, Kings	7.2
5. Scott, Tigers	7.2
6. Knight, Wildcats	7.0
7. Schenscher, 36ers	6.9
8. Vukona, Breakers	6.8
9. Forman, Hawks	6.5
10. Pledger, Breakers	6.3

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Jackson, Breakers	7.5
2. Gibson, 36ers	4.8
3. Ervin, Crocodiles	4.5
4. Wilson, Taipans	3.6
5. Martin, Hawks	3.3
6. Martin, Wildcats	3.1
7. Henry, Kings	2.9
8. Cadee, 36ers	2.8
9. Redhage, Wildcats	2.6
10. Goulding, Tigers	2.6

Steals Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Jackson, Breakers	2.7
2. Martin, Wildcats	1.6
3. Deleon, Hawks	1.3
4. Williams, Taipans	1.2
5. Edwards, Taipans	1.2
6. Lisch, Wildcats	1.1
7. Tovey, Wildcats	1.1
8. Martin, Hawks	1.1
9. Wagstaff, Wildcats	1.1
10. Henry, Kings	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Breakers
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Pledger, Breakers	1.7
2. Scott, Tigers	1.3
3. Redhage, Wildcats	1.1
4. Schenscher, 36ers	1.0
5. Forman, Hawks	0.9
6. Garlepp, Kings	0.8
7. Hinder, Crocodiles	0.8
8. Wagstaff, Wildcats	0.7
9. Knight, Wildcats	0.7
10. Walker, Tigers	0.6

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Group E
1. Ventspils			1-0
2. Barons kvartals			0-0
3. Parnu			0-0
4. Lietkabelis			0-1
Group F
1. Kalev/Cramo			1-0
2. Jelgava			0-0
3. Rudupis			0-0
4. Naglis Palangos			0-1
Group G
1. Juventus			1-0
2. Tarvas			1-0
3. Barsy Atyrau			0-1
4. Pieno Zvaigzdes			0-1
Group H
1. TU/Rock			1-0
2. Valmiera			1-0
3. Siauliai			0-0
4. Sakalai			0-2

Stage One Standings

Top 16: Round 1

Jan. 8: Tarvas - Pieno Zvaigzdes 93-75
Jan. 10: Kalev/Cramo - Naglis Palangos 84-75
Jan. 8: Lietkabelis - Ventspils 62-73
Jan. 11: Valmiera - Sakalai 62-57
Jan. 10: Juventus - Barsy Atyrau 113-79
Jan. 10: TU/Rock - Sakalai 103-60

Top 16: Round 2

Jan. 12: Lietkabelis - Parnu
Jan. 12: TU/Rock - Siauliai
Jan. 12: Jelgava - Rudupis
Jan. 12: Ventspils - Barons kvartals
Jan. 12: Pieno Zvaigzdes - Barsy Atyrau
Jan. 13: Valmiera - Siauliai

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Maris GULBIS
  Barons k.
  (202-F-85)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Gulbis, Barons k.	19.4
2. Raadik, Parnu	18.4
3. Tamm, Tarvas	18.1
4. Okoye, Tln Kalev	17.4
5. Orelikas, Rudupis	16.2
6. Akenparg, TTU	15.9
7. Fredrick, Barsy A.	15.0
8. Leonard, Juventus	14.6
9. Wilkinson, Kalev/C.	14.3
10. Umbrasko, Tarvas	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Rain RAADIK
  Parnu
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 12

1. Raadik, Parnu	12.0
2. Okoye, Tln Kalev	9.9
3. Matyukevych, Bars.	8.0
4. Berzins, Valmiera	7.9
5. Zelionis, Barsy A.	7.3
6. Cipruss, Lietkabel.	7.2
7. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	7.2
8. Keedus, TTU	7.1
9. Timma, Ventspils	7.1
10. Bishop, Nevezis	6.9

Assists Per Game

Zygimantas JANAVICIUS
  Rudupis
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Janavicius, Rudupis	5.7
2. Campbell, Tln Kalev	5.0
3. Maceina, Pieno Z.	5.0
4. Peciukeviciu., Par.	4.9
5. Stasys, LSU-Baltai	4.6
6. Gintvainis, Sakalai	4.5
7. Tamm, Tarvas	4.4
8. Artamonov, Siauliai	4.3
9. Cunda, Valga	4.2
10. Viskontas, Juven.	4.2

Steals Per Game

TreVon HUGHES
  Pieno Z.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Hughes, Pieno Z.	2.7
2. Brown, Naglis P.	2.2
3. Kanbergs, Jelgava	2.2
4. Janavicius, Rudupis	2.1
5. Laane, Rapla	2.1
6. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.0
7. Berzins, Valmiera	1.9
8. Tamm, Tarvas	1.9
9. Mizis, Jelgava	1.8
10. Sims, Ventspils	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (217-C-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	2.3
2. Petrukonis, Juven.	1.7
3. Silinskis, Nevezis	1.6
4. Rozitis, Barons k.	1.6
5. Kupsas, Lietkabelis	1.3
6. Meiers, Ventspils	1.0
7. Iljins, Valmiera	0.9
8. Dia, Siauliai	0.9
9. Zyle, Nevezis	0.9
10. Gates, Pieno Z.	0.8

Round 1 of Top 16 - by Eurobasket News

Valmiera - Sakalai 62-57

The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-13. But Sakalai won second period 21-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 25 personal fouls committed by Sakalai helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Raimonds Gabrans (185-84) who helped to win the game recording 17 points. Power forward Maris Ziedins (203-90) contributed with 7 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Justas Sinica (203-85) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and Edvinas Seskus (192-95) added 10 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Sakalai.
Top scorers:
Valmiera: R.Gabrans 17+3reb+3ast, J.Kaufmanis 11+1reb, A.Butjankovs 10+9reb, J.Berzins 7+9reb+1ast, M.Ziedins 7+13reb+1ast, V.Iljins 6+9reb
Sakalai: J.Sinica 18+13reb+1ast, Z.Sestokas 13+1reb, E.Seskus 10+9reb+3ast, I.Ramasauskas 8+5reb+1ast, R.Matulis 6+6reb+2ast, J.Gintvainis 2+2reb+4ast

Kalev/Cramo - Naglis Palangos 84-75

The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 84-75. Senegalese center Bamba Fall (217-86, college: SMU) stepped up and scored 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Tanel Sokk (182-85) chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. At the losing side American center Ryan Olander (213, college: Fairfield, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) responded with 19 points and the other American import guard Parrish Brown (185-84, college: Maryland) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Four Kalev/Cramo and five Naglis Palangos players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Kalev/Cramo: B.Fall 22+9reb, G.Dorbek 14+5reb+1ast, T.Sokk 14+2reb+5ast, G.Arbet 12+2reb, G.Wilkinson 9+7reb+2ast, K.McLeod 6+1reb+2ast
Naglis Palangos: R.Olander 19+4reb, P.Brown 13+7reb+1ast, M.Konate 12+2reb, G.Wright 11+4reb+4ast, M.Kumpys 10+6reb, E.Lengvinas 8+1reb+1ast

TU/Rock - Sakalai 103-60

The game without a history. TU/Rock led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Sakalai's 34. They outrebounded Sakalai 41-25 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. TU/Rock looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American point guard Justin Ingram (188-85, college: Toledo, agency: Two Points) stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and guard Rain Veideman (193-91) chipped in 20 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Five TU/Rock players scored in double figures. TU/Rock's coach Gert Kullamae felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Jokubas Gintvainis (191-94) responded with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and center Ignas Ramasauskas (211-93) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Top scorers:
TU/Rock: R.Veideman 20+1ast, J.Ingram 17+5reb+5ast, E.Dimsa 12+6reb+1ast, K.Saage 10+4reb+2ast, V.Allingu 10+8reb, T.Eichfuss 9+3reb+3ast
Sakalai: J.Sinica 13+4reb+1ast, I.Ramasauskas 12+7reb, J.Gintvainis 10+7reb+4ast, E.Seskus 9+3reb+3ast, R.Matulis 8+2reb, A.Kiausas 6+1reb+1ast

Juventus - Barsy Atyrau 113-79

The game without a history. Juventus led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Juventus forced 23 Barsy Atyrau turnovers and had a 32-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. Juventus players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Barsy Atyrau was plagued by 33 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Nerijus Varnelis (201-78) nailed 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Gintautas Matulis (196-86) accounted for 13 points and 11 rebounds. Five Juventus players scored in double figures. Lithuanian forward Edgaras Zelionis (207-89) came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Mikhail Evstigneev (201-84) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Barsy Atyrau in the defeat. Barsy Atyrau's coach Eduard Skripec gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Juventus: A.Viskontas 18+4ast, K.Petrukonis 16+4reb+1ast, N.Varnelis 16+9reb+3ast, D.Leonard 15+4reb+7ast, G.Matulis 13+11reb+2ast, A.Cepulis 12+1reb+3ast
Barsy Atyrau: E.Zelionis 19+7reb+1ast, M.Evstigneev 13+6reb+1ast, A.Endropov 9+5reb+3ast, Z.Fredrick 8+2reb+1ast, C.McEachin 8+1reb+1ast, V.Matyukevych 8+3reb

Tarvas - Pieno Zvaigzdes 93-75

The game without a history. BC Rakvere led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American-Estonian forward Renato Lindmets (200-84, college: Westfield St.) stepped up and scored 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and point guard Reimo Tamm (185-84) chipped in 12 points and 8 assists. Five BC Rakvere players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Tyrell Biggs (203-86, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import forward Yancy Gates (206-89, college: Cincinnati) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Pieno Zvaigzdes' coach Nerijus Zabarauskas tested ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: M.Laksa 20+2reb, R.Lindmets 18+6reb, J.Umbrasko 15+6reb+2ast, R.Tamm 12+3reb+8ast, K.Saks 11+4reb, B.Raley-Ross 10+3reb+5ast
Pieno Zvaigzdes: T.Biggs 19+7reb, Y.Gates 17+7reb+1ast, M.Ruikis 11+1ast, T.Hughes 9+2reb+4ast, S.Vasiliauskas 7+1reb+3ast, G.Sirutavicius 5+5reb+3ast

Lietkabelis - Ventspils 62-73

American point guard Donald Sims (185-87, college: Appalachian St.) fired 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Janis Timma (201-92, agency: FCM) chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Edgaras Ulanovas (197-92) produced 16 points and 6 rebounds and center Mindaugas Kupsas (215-91) added 11 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Lietkabelis' coach Gintaras Leonavicius rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: D.Sims 18+3reb+4ast, R.Zakis 13+3reb, J.Timma 11+6reb+1ast, S.Valters 8+3reb+3ast, M.Meiers 7+2reb+1ast, F.Campbell 6+5reb
Lietkabelis: E.Ulanovas 16+6reb, M.Kupsas 11+11reb, T.Jogela 9+7reb+1ast, K.Vecvagars 8+2reb+5ast, M.Andriukaitis 5, K.Babkauskas 5+1reb+4ast

*****************************************************

BELARUS

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings

1. Grodno-93		12-0
2. Sozh Gomel		11-2
3. Rubon		8-5
4. Tsmoki-Minsk II		6-7
5. Impuls BGUIR		4-9
6. Svisloch		3-10
7. Borisfen		1-12
Play in international cups:
1. Tsmoki-Minsk		-

Regular Season: Round 15

Jan. 11: Sozh Gomel - Rubon 94-69
Jan. 11: Tsmoki-Minsk II - Svisloch 76-67
Jan. 11: Borisfen - Impuls BGUIR 58-80

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 15: Grodno-93 - Borisfen
Jan. 15: Svisloch - Sozh Gomel
Jan. 15: Rubon - Tsmoki-Minsk II

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game

Kiril SITNIK
  Sozh Gomel
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 23.7

1. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel	23.7
2. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.	21.5
3. Miakinin, Sozh Gom.	19.3
4. Zakhar, Impuls B.	15.9
5. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.	15.1
6. Shustau, Svisloch	15.0
7. Akulich, Rubon	14.4
8. Mishukov, Grodn.	14.3
9. Sugonyako, Tsmoki.	13.3
10. Konuyshenko, Gro.	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

Ronaldas RUTKAUSKAS
  Tsmoki.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.	10.2
2. Dadukin, Sozh G.	10.0
3. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.	9.2
4. Zakhar, Impuls B.	8.9
5. Ilyukevich, Rubon	7.0
6. Mishukov, Grodn.	6.2
7. Miakinin, Sozh Gom.	6.0
8. Sharipov, Svisloch	6.0
9. Yafremov, Grodn.	5.9
10. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	5.9

Assists Per Game

Siarhei CHARYKAU
  Sozh G.
  (185-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Charykau, Sozh G.	6.9
2. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.	5.6
3. Shustau, Svisloch	5.3
4. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	4.8
5. Akulich, Rubon	4.8
6. Kamarunas, Svisl.	4.2
7. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel	3.5
8. Dadukin, Sozh G.	3.2
9. Tatur, Borisfen	2.9
10. Kryukov, Borisfen	2.9

Steals Per Game

Dmitri AKULICH
  Rubon
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Akulich, Rubon	3.4
2. Malkov, Grodno-93	2.7
3. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel	2.7
4. Charykau, Sozh G.	2.7
5. Zakhar, Impuls B.	2.6
6. Volodkin, Impuls B.	2.3
7. Tatur, Borisfen	2.3
8. Shustau, Svisloch	2.2
9. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.	2.2
10. Ovsepian, Rubon	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Artem MALKOV
  Grodno-93
  (185-PG-88)
  Avg: 0

1. Malkov, Grodno-93	0.0
2. Lagunovskiy, Impul.	0.0
3. Zakhar, Impuls B.	0.0
4. Kuzmitski, Impuls	0.0
5. Volodkin, Impuls B.	0.0
6. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	0.0
7. Vasilevich, Grodno.	0.0
8. Kurapau, Tsmoki.	0.0
9. Usovich, Borisfen	0.0
10. Kryukov, Borisfen	0.0

Zintis Plivda signs at Rubon - by Eurobasket News

BK Rubon Vitebsk (Premier League) landed 25-year old Latvian center Zintis Plivda (206-88). He was about to sign at SSV Lokomotive Bernau in German Regionalliga, but the plans were changed. The last season Plivda played at Latvijas Universitate in Latvian LBL. In 35 games last year he averaged 9.2ppg and 5.1rpg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals.
Plivda played in the final of Baltic League D2 in 2005. He represented Latvia at the European Championships U20 in Riga (Latvia) five years ago. His stats at that event were 3 games: 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0bpg.
Plivda has played also professionally in Latvia (Ventspils, Gulbene and Darznieks/Cesis).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Premier League Round 15: Sozh Gomel beats Rubon in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News

An exciting game was played in Gomel. Second ranked Sozh Gomel faced 3rd placed Rubon. Host Sozh Gomel (11-2) smashed guests from Vitebsk (8-5) 94-69. The game without a history. Sozh Gomel led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Rubon to just 6 points in first quarter. Sozh Gomel forced 22 Rubon turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Ukrainian power forward Sergei Miakinin (206-86) who scored 36 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Guard Kiril Sitnik (190-89) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international guard Dmitri Akulich (190-86) who recorded 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Sozh Gomel have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 11-2 record behind leader Grodno-93. Rubon at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Sozh Gomel are looking forward to face Svisloch (#6) in Osipovichi in the next round. Rubon will play at home against Tsmoki-Minsk II and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Mogilev supposed to be also worth to mention about. Sixth ranked Impuls BGUIR (4-9) played at the court of 7th ranked Borisfen (1-12). Impuls BGUIR smashed Borisfen 80-58. It was a good game for Henadziy Zakhar (198-92) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. Kiril Volodkin contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Vadzim Haidukevich (193-93) answered with 16 points for Borisfen. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Impuls BGUIR moved-up to fifth place. Borisfen lost tenth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. Impuls BGUIR will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Borisfen will play on the road against the league's leader Grodno-93 (#1) to get more than just one victory in their record.

In the last game of round 15 Svisloch was defeated by Tsmoki-Minsk II in a road game 76-67.

Tsmoki-Minsk II - Svisloch 76-67

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Svisloch's (3-10) road loss to fourth ranked Tsmoki-Minsk II (6-7) 67-76. Svisloch was ahead by 11 points after three quarters before a 24-4 charge of Tsmoki-Minsk II, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Svisloch to just 4 points in fourth quarter. Svisloch was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Lithuanian forward Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-92) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Evgeni Sugonyako (198-92) contributed with 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Ukrainian point guard Oleksandr Dolenko (191-90, agency: New Trend Agency) answered with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Ilya Sharipov (198-91) added 16 points in the effort for Svisloch. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tsmoki-Minsk II maintains fourth place with 6-7 record. Svisloch at the other side dropped to the sixth position with ten games lost. Tsmoki-Minsk II will play against higher ranked Rubon (#3) in Vitebsk in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Svisloch will play at home against the league's second-placed Sozh Gomel and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Svisloch: I.Sharipov 16+3reb+1ast, O.Dolenko 12+7reb+7ast, N.Polyulyak 9+7reb+2ast, M.Adam Konate 9+9reb, M.Strukau 8+4reb, A.Korneenkov 8+2reb
Tsmoki-Minsk II: R.Rutkauskas 25+12reb+1ast, E.Sugonyako 25+8reb, A.Semianiuk 18+14reb, V.Ignatchik 6+4reb+9ast, V.Krisevich 2, S.Kazlou 0

Sozh Gomel - Rubon 94-69

An exciting game was played in Gomel. Second ranked Sozh Gomel faced 3rd placed Rubon. Host Sozh Gomel (11-2) smashed guests from Vitebsk (8-5) 94-69. The game without a history. Sozh Gomel led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Rubon to just 6 points in first quarter. Sozh Gomel forced 22 Rubon turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Ukrainian power forward Sergei Miakinin (206-86) who scored 36 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Guard Kiril Sitnik (190-89) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international guard Dmitri Akulich (190-86) who recorded 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and power forward Viktar Ilyukevich (203-94) added 11 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Four Rubon players scored in double figures. Sozh Gomel have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 11-2 record behind leader Grodno-93. Rubon at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Sozh Gomel are looking forward to face Svisloch (#6) in Osipovichi in the next round. Rubon will play at home against Tsmoki-Minsk II and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rubon: D.Akulich 15+5reb+6ast, A.Indrikov 14+5reb+1ast, I.Aladka 11, V.Ilyukevich 11+11reb, Z.Plivda 8+8reb+1ast, S.Sapegin 5+2reb+3ast
Sozh Gomel: S.Miakinin 36+5reb, K.Sitnik 24+2reb+2ast, D.Khodov 12+5reb+1ast, T.Viaroukin 8+1reb+2ast, P.Bliznets 5+3reb, I.Kaliayev 3+1reb

Borisfen - Impuls BGUIR 58-80

The game in Mogilev supposed to be also worth to mention about. Sixth ranked Impuls BGUIR (4-9) played at the court of 7th ranked Borisfen (1-12). Impuls BGUIR smashed Borisfen 80-58. Borisfen was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 47-23 second half run of Impuls BGUIR. They also forced 32 Borisfen turnovers. Borisfen was plagued by 32 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Henadziy Zakhar (198-92) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. Guard Kiril Volodkin (190-91) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Impuls BGUIR players scored in double figures. Forward Vadzim Haidukevich (193-93) answered with 16 points and Andrei Aheyenka (194-92) added 9 points in the effort for Borisfen. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Impuls BGUIR moved-up to fifth place. Borisfen lost tenth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. Impuls BGUIR will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Borisfen will play on the road against the league's leader Grodno-93 (#1) to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Borisfen: V.Haidukevich 16+3reb, A.Aheyenka 9+4reb+3ast, E.Kopylov 9+3reb, F.Kryukov 8+3reb+4ast, A.Dashkevich 8+1reb, E.Batvenkov 3+4reb+1ast
Impuls BGUIR: H.Zakhar 24+15reb+1ast, D.Azaare 15+1reb, A.Kuzmitski 11+4reb, K.Volodkin 10+7reb+2ast, A.Papruha 8+2reb, A.Matveyeu 8+3reb

Dmytro Khodov agreed terms with Sozh Gomel, ex DniproAzot - by Eurobasket News

BK Sozh Gomel (Premier League) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old Ukrainian forward Dmytro Khodov (203-86kg-87, agency: New Trend Agency). He played recently at DniproAzot in Ukrainian Superleague. But in two games this season he did not score anything and had only 1 rebound and 1 steal. The last season Khodov played at Halychyna in Superleague. In 13 games last year he recorded 4.3ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.2apg.
Among other achievements His team made it to the Superleague Semifinals in 2009. Khodov was selected to Ukrainian All-Star Game back in 2009. He represented Ukraine at the European Championships U18 Div.B in Ruzomberok eight years ago. Khodovs team won Gold and his stats at that event were 6 games: 4.0ppg, 2.7rpg.
Khodov has played also professionally in Ukraine (Khimik and Khimik-2 Yuzhniy).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Sozh Gomel lands Maksym Ozhegov, ex Pulsar - by Eurobasket News

BK Sozh Gomel (Premier League) landed 23-year old Ukrainian guard Maksym Ozhegov (190-89kg-90, agency: New Trend Agency). He played recently at Pulsar in Ukrainian Higher League. The last season Ozhegov played for BC-93 Pulsar (Higher League). In 16 games this season he averaged impressive 15.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.6apg and 1.3spg. He also played at MBC Mykolaiv in Ukrainian Superleague earlier that season. Ozhegov represented Ukraine at the European Championships U20 in Croatia three years ago. His stats at that event were 3 games: 0pts.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************

BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

Ethias League Standings

1. Oostende		8-4
2. M.Hainaut		8-4
3. Aalstar		7-5
4. Spirou		6-5
5. Liege		6-6
6. Antwerp		6-6
7. Verviers-Pep.		3-8
8. Leuven		3-9

Regular Season: Round 12

Jan. 10: Verviers-Pep. - Leuven 79-77
Jan. 11: Oostende - Antwerp 78-65
Jan. 9: Spirou - M.Hainaut 76-70
Jan. 11: Aalstar - Liege 70-75

Regular Season: Round 13

Jan. 18: Liege - Spirou
Jan. 19: Leuven - Antwerp
Jan. 19: M.Hainaut - Oostende
Jan. 19: Aalstar - Verviers-Pep.

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Ryan THOMPSON
  Aalstar
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Thompson, Aalstar	18.2
2. Taylor, M.Hainaut	17.5
3. Mukubu, Liege	17.0
4. Aleksandrov, Vervi.	17.0
5. Walsh, Spirou	16.9
6. Lojeski, Oostende	16.3
7. Clark, Aalstar	15.1
8. Robinson, Leuven	15.1
9. Bostic, M.Hainaut	15.0
10. Green, Verviers.	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Matt WALSH
  Spirou
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Walsh, Spirou	8.6
2. Qvale, M.Hainaut	7.4
3. Wilkinson, Oostende	7.1
4. Gillet, Liege	6.9
5. Aska, Leuven	6.9
6. Thondique, Antwerp	6.9
7. Tofi, Aalstar	6.8
8. Mukubu, Liege	6.3
9. Wright, Oostende	6.3
10. Young, Aalstar	6.1

Assists Per Game

Jerime ANDERSON
  Verviers.
  (187-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Anderson, Verviers.	5.9
2. Djordjevic, Ooste.	5.3
3. Marnegrave, Leuven	5.2
4. Bosco, Liege	4.8
5. Walsh, Spirou	3.4
6. Raivio, Aalstar	3.3
7. Moors, Antwerp	3.3
8. Lojeski, Oostende	3.1
9. Thompson, Aalstar	3.0
10. Taylor, M.Hainaut	2.9

Steals Per Game

Niels MARNEGRAVE
  Leuven
  (191-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Marnegrave, Leuven	2.4
2. Taylor, M.Hainaut	2.3
3. Hopkins, Antwerp	1.9
4. Iarochevitch, Liege	1.9
5. Mukubu, Liege	1.8
6. Anderson, Verviers.	1.8
7. Hanavan, Leuven	1.8
8. Biggs, Antwerp	1.8
9. Aska, Leuven	1.6
10. Anderson, Aalstar	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Wesley WILKINSON
  Oostende
  (207-PF-84)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Wilkinson, Oostende	1.7
2. Qvale, M.Hainaut	1.5
3. Ferguson, Verviers.	1.5
4. Young, Aalstar	0.9
5. Riddick, Spirou	0.9
6. Dukes, Leuven	0.8
7. Aska, Leuven	0.8
8. Thondique, Antwerp	0.7
9. Love, Antwerp	0.6
10. Lojeski, Oostende	0.6

Walsh's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

30-year old swingman Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for Spirou and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
He had a double-double of 18 points and 19 rebounds, while his team beat M.Hainaut (#2, 8-4) 76-70. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Spirou is placed at 4th position in Belgian league. Spirou is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-5 record. Walsh turned to be Spirou's top player in his first season with the team. University of Florida graduate has very impressive stats this year. Walsh is in league's top in points (5th best: 16.9ppg), assists (5th best: 3.4apg) and averages solid 52.9% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) of top-ranked Oostende. He is Croatian-German swingman in his first season at Oostende. In the last game Stojic recorded impressive 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he lead Oostende to another comfortable win 78-65 over the lower-ranked Antwerp (#6, 6-6) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Oostende to move up to 1st position in the standings. His team has currently 8-4 record. Stojic is a newcomer at Oostende and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Chris Ferguson (206-C-89) of Verviers-Pep. (#7). Ferguson showcased his all-around game by recording 14 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Verviers-Pep., leading his team to a 79-77 win against slightly lower-ranked Leuven (#8, 3-9). Verviers-Pep. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 3-8 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Ferguson he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Ferguson has a very solid season. In 11 games in Belgium he scored 8.9ppg. He also has 4.8rpg, 1.5bpg and FGP: 61.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Niels Marnegrave (191-PG-87) of Leuven - 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Gerald Robinson (185-PG-89) of Leuven - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Jerime Anderson (187-PG-89) of Verviers-Pep. - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Larry Anderson (195-G-89) of Aalstar - 17 points and 5 rebounds
8. John Tofi (203-F/C-84) of Aalstar - 7 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Derek Raivio (190-G-84) of Aalstar - 24 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Nemanja Aleksandrov (210-C/F-87) of Verviers-Pep. - 21 points and 6 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Ethias League Round 12: Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News

Ethias League round 12 caused change at the leadership position. Fourth defeat of league's leader Belfius Mons-Hainaut (8-4) against fifth ranked Spirou Charleroi (6-5) 76-70 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Belfius Mons-Hainaut. Belfius Mons-Hainaut trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 19-14 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 70-76 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Belfius Mons-Hainaut 40-25 including 31 on the defensive glass. 26 personal fouls committed by Belfius Mons-Hainaut helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for swingman Matt Walsh (197-82, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Jerome Randle (178-87, college: California) contributed with 14 points and 7 assists for the winners. Forward Josh Bostic (196-87, college: Findlay, OH) replied with 18 points for Belfius Mons-Hainaut. Belfius Mons-Hainaut's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Spirou Charleroi moved-up to fourth place. Belfius Mons-Hainaut at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Oostende who have the same record. Belfius Mons-Hainaut will play next round against league's leader Base Oostende trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Spirou Charleroi will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Liege Basket in Liege.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Base Oostende as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Belfius Mons-Hainaut) loss. Base Oostende defeated 4th ranked Antwerp Giants at home 78-65. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Antwerp Giants. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian-German swingman Mario Stojic (198-80, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!) and Matt Lojeski who added 13 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union, agency: FCM) with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Base Oostende have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with M.Hainaut. Antwerp Giants at the other side dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with Liege. Antwerp Giants will play next round against Leuven Bears trying to get back on the winning streak. Base Oostende will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Belfius Mons-Hainaut at Quaregnon.
A very close game took place in Verviers between VOO Verviers-Pepinster and Leuven Bears. Eighth ranked VOO Verviers-Pepinster (3-8) got a very close home victory over 7th ranked Leuven Bears (3-9). VOO Verviers-Pepinster managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 in the fight for the seventh place. The winners were led by Chris Ferguson who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists by Niels Marnegrave did not help to save the game for Leuven Bears. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. VOO Verviers-Pepinster moved-up to seventh place. Leuven Bears lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with nine games lost. VOO Verviers-Pepinster will meet higher ranked Okapi Aalstar (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Leuven Bears will play against Antwerp Giants (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Okapi Aalstar (7-5) against sixth ranked Liege Basket (6-6) on Friday night. Host Okapi Aalstar was defeated by Liege Basket in a tough game in Aalst 70-75. The best player for the winners was B.J. Monteiro who scored 16 points. Liege Basket moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Antwerp. Okapi Aalstar at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Liege Basket's next round opponent will be higher ranked Spirou Charleroi (#4) at home and it may be quite challenging game. Okapi Aalstar will play against VOO Verviers-Pepinster.

Aalstar - Liege 70-75

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Okapi Aalstar (7-5) against sixth ranked Liege Basket (6-6) on Friday night. Host Okapi Aalstar was defeated by Liege Basket in a tough game in Aalst 70-75. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. The best player for the winners was American swingman B.J. Monteiro (195-90, college: Duquesne, agency: Two Points) who scored 16 points. International forward Wen Boss Mukubu (198-83, college: UAB, agency: SportsTalent) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Liege Basket players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Derek Raivio (190-84, college: Gonzaga) who recorded 24 points and his fellow American import guard Larry Anderson (195-89, college: Long Beach St.) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Liege Basket moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Antwerp. Okapi Aalstar at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Liege Basket's next round opponent will be higher ranked Spirou Charleroi (#4) at home and it may be quite challenging game. Okapi Aalstar will play against VOO Verviers-Pepinster.
Top scorers:
Aalstar: D.Raivio 24+2reb+3ast, L.Anderson 17+5reb+1ast, T.Dreesen 12+6reb, J.Tofi 7+14reb+2ast, N.Hartsock 4+2reb, A.Steinbach 2+2ast
Liege: I.Iarochevitch 17+4reb, B.Monteiro 16+4reb+3ast, W.Boss Mukubu 13+6reb+4ast, P.Gillet 12+10reb, G.Ware 6+4reb, G.Hockins 5+2reb

Oostende - Antwerp 78-65

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Base Oostende as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Belfius Mons-Hainaut) loss. Base Oostende defeated 4th ranked Antwerp Giants at home 78-65. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Antwerp Giants. Base Oostende shot 65.1 percent from the field. Base Oostende had a 26-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian-German swingman Mario Stojic (198-80, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!) and American guard Matt Lojeski (198-85, college: Hawaii) who added 13 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union, agency: FCM) with 16 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized American forward Ralph Biggs (199-76, college: Towson, agency: Court Side) scored 12 points. Base Oostende have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with M.Hainaut. Antwerp Giants at the other side dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with Liege. Antwerp Giants will play next round against Leuven Bears trying to get back on the winning streak. Base Oostende will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Belfius Mons-Hainaut at Quaregnon.
Top scorers:
Antwerp: G.Thondique 16+7reb+3ast, R.Biggs 12+3reb+1ast, T.Black 11+3reb+2ast, J.Mwema 8+4reb+2ast, J.Love 7+4reb+1ast, R.Moors 6+1reb
Oostende: M.Stojic 21+5reb+5ast, M.Lojeski 13+4reb+2ast, W.Wilkinson 12+5reb, T.De Thaey 8, D.Katnic 7+3reb+4ast, D.Drobnjak 6+3reb+4ast

Verviers-Pep. - Leuven 79-77

A very close game took place in Verviers between VOO Verviers-Pepinster and Leuven Bears. Eighth ranked VOO Verviers-Pepinster (3-8) got a very close home victory over 7th ranked Leuven Bears (3-9). VOO Verviers-Pepinster managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 in the fight for the seventh place. The hosts trailed by 13 points after three quarters before their 29-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. VOO Verviers-Pepinster forced 19 Leuven Bears turnovers. The winners were led by American center Chris Ferguson (206-89, college: Mid-Continent) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Serbian power forward Nemanja Aleksandrov (210-87) supported him with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Even 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists by international point guard Niels Marnegrave (191-87) did not help to save the game for Leuven Bears. American point guard Gerald Robinson (185-89, college: Georgia) added 21 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Four Leuven Bears players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. VOO Verviers-Pepinster moved-up to seventh place. Leuven Bears lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with nine games lost. VOO Verviers-Pepinster will meet higher ranked Okapi Aalstar (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Leuven Bears will play against Antwerp Giants (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Leuven: G.Robinson 21+3reb+5ast, N.Marnegrave 17+5reb+7ast, T.Smith 14+6reb+1ast, I.Aska 10+10reb+1ast, I.Hanavan 7+2reb, Y.Desiron 4+2reb
Verviers-Pep.: N.Aleksandrov 21+6reb+1ast, J.Anderson 14+6reb+7ast, C.Ferguson 14+11reb+4ast, S.Moris 9+3reb, Y.Moray 8+3reb+3ast, J.Green 7+2reb

Spirou - M.Hainaut 76-70

Ethias League round 12 caused change at the leadership position. Fourth defeat of league's leader Belfius Mons-Hainaut (8-4) against fifth ranked Spirou Charleroi (6-5) 76-70 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Belfius Mons-Hainaut. Belfius Mons-Hainaut trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 19-14 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 70-76 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Belfius Mons-Hainaut 40-25 including 31 on the defensive glass. 26 personal fouls committed by Belfius Mons-Hainaut helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for swingman Matt Walsh (197-82, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Jerome Randle (178-87, college: California) contributed with 14 points and 7 assists for the winners. Forward Josh Bostic (196-87, college: Findlay, OH) replied with 18 points and guard Quincy Taylor (196-82, college: UAB) added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Belfius Mons-Hainaut. Four Spirou Charleroi and five Belfius Mons-Hainaut players scored in double figures. Belfius Mons-Hainaut's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Spirou Charleroi moved-up to fourth place. Belfius Mons-Hainaut at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Oostende who have the same record. Belfius Mons-Hainaut will play next round against league's leader Base Oostende trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Spirou Charleroi will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Liege Basket in Liege.
Top scorers:
M.Hainaut: J.Bostic 18+3reb+2ast, J.Cage 12+2reb, Q.Taylor 11+8reb+3ast, B.Qvale 11+4reb, J.Wallace 10+2reb+2ast, M.Randle 5+3reb+1ast
Spirou: M.Walsh 18+19reb+4ast, J.Hamilton 16+2reb+1ast, J.Randle 14+1reb+7ast, C.Beghin 10+3reb, D.Allen 7+6reb, A.Riddick 6+4reb

*****************************************************

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Hoop It Up Foundation to take basketball sessions to various districts - by David Edole

ROAD TOWN, Tortola,VI The buzzer may have only just gone on the Hoop It Up Foundation's 2012 season, but already an ambitious new scheme for 2013 will launch on Saturday January 12, 2013.

As President of the Foundation Steve Parillon (196-F-78, college: Henderson St.) explained, we will start on Saturday with District Basketball Camps and each Saturday we will move from District to District to teach Basketball.

One of the goals of the Foundation this year is to reach out to the communities as much as they can. The Camps will be aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 18.

The Island Tour Basketball Camp rolls into the East End of the Island to start the ball rolling and will be based on the court at Greenland from 9 A.M. to 10.30 A.M. Next stop on the tour is Road Town where the camp will run from 11 A.M. until 12.30 P.M. at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex. First stop in the West will be on the court at Capoons Bay from 1.30 P.M. until 2.30 P.M. and then the final stop of the day will be on the court in Cane Garden Bay from 3 P.M. until 4.30 P.M.

Hoops and Basketball after school programme will also be re-starting on Monday January 14, 2013 at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex.

Despite the new visions for spreading the word of basketball throughout the Territory, one of the more popular programmes run in 2012, the VI Showcase Camp will be heavily revamped even if it carries on at all. We are still thinking about it, but the thing is the showcase camp involves a lot of funding. You have to fly coaches in and then put them in hotels in the hopes they will select one of our own, stated Parillon

One way around the issue, he thought though, would be for the Hoop It Up Foundation to go virtual and video tape the camp in order to provide the coaches with footage of the players they are possibly interested in.

It's important we still do something," commented Parillon. One thing we all liked about the camp is the fact that the kids made an effort to come out and earn their chance of a scholarship. However, good you think you are its always good to prove yourself in that sort of environment.

People also were getting the wrong idea of the Showcase Camp, according to Parillon. We are not a funding organisation, we can help the youths into different institutions but we cant fund them. People seemed to think we were responsible for them financially, but that wasnt the case and its become misleading.

However, with some of the kids who have been offered the chance to further both Education and Basketball Skills abroad struggling to make ends meet, the Foundation has another new concept for 2013, a Hoops for Youths fund. We are trying to find a way to raise funds so we can help some of the young BVIslanders who are away at school, noted Parillon. Having been away to school myself I know there are challenges as a non-USA citizen where you dont get the same sort of support as an international student compared to American student. So what we want to do over the years is build a fund so that students can get some help from their homeland.

Since the Foundation began in 2008, Parillon rates the Books and Basketball after School Programme as the most successful venture and firmly believes it has done a lot to introduce the concept of student athlete into the mind set of youths and parents.

*****************************************************

CANADA

CIS Standings

CIS Standings

Atlantic
1. Cape Breton		8-0
2. Acadia		7-1
3. UPEI		6-2
4. St.Francis X.		4-5
5. New Brunsw.		3-5
6. Dalhousie		3-6
7. St.Mary's		2-6
8. Memorial		0-8
CanWest Pacific Division
1. UBC		9-2
2. Victoria		7-4
3. UFV		7-4
4. UNBC		5-5
5. TRU		5-6
6. TWU		4-7
7. Mount Royal		2-8
8. UBC Okanagan		2-9
CanWest Prairie Division
1. Alberta		9-2
2. Winnipeg		8-3
3. Saskatchewan		7-4
4. Manitoba		6-5
5. Calgary		5-6
6. Lethbridge		5-6
7. Regina		3-7
8. Brandon		2-8
OUA East
1. Ryerson		10-0
2. Carleton		10-1
3. Ottawa		9-2
4. Queen's		8-3
5. Laurentian		5-5
6. York		4-7
7. Toronto Univ.		2-8
8. RMC		0-0
OUA West
1. Windsor		7-3
2. Lakehead		6-4
3. McMaster		5-5
4. Brock		3-7
5. Guelph		3-7
6. Laurier		3-7
7. Waterloo		1-9
8. Western		1-9
Quebec League
1. Bishop's		5-1
2. Concordia		4-2
3. McGill		3-2
4. Laval		2-5
5. UQAM		1-5

Regular Season: Round 18

Jan. 11: UPEI - St.Mary''s 95-66
Jan. 11: TWU - Alberta 90-85
Jan. 11: TRU - Lethbridge 90-81
Jan. 11: UFV - Saskatchewan 82-90
Jan. 11: Lakehead - Brock 81-65
Jan. 11: Acadia - Dalhousie 79-57
Jan. 11: Ryerson - Ottawa 76-71
Jan. 11: Laval - Bishop''s 65-68
Jan. 11: Winnipeg - Victoria 64-6`
Jan. 11: Manitoba - UBC 61-87
Jan. 11: Toronto Univ. - Carleton 57-91
Jan. 11: UBC Okanagan - Calgary 56-59

Regular Season: Round 19

Jan. 12: Laurier - Guelph
Jan. 12: McMaster - Western
Jan. 12: Concordia - UQAM
Jan. 12: New Brunsw. - St.Francis X.
Jan. 12: UPEI - St.Mary's
Jan. 12: Cape Breton - Memorial
Jan. 12: McGill - Laval
Jan. 12: Toronto Univ. - Ottawa
Jan. 12: Lakehead - Brock
Jan. 12: Ryerson - Carleton
Jan. 12: Queen's - Laurentian
Jan. 12: Brandon - UNBC
Jan. 12: Winnipeg - UBC
Jan. 12: Manitoba - Victoria
Jan. 12: Regina - Mount Royal
Jan. 12: UBC Okanagan - Lethbridge
Jan. 12: TRU - Calgary
Jan. 12: UFV - Alberta
Jan. 12: UNBC - Winnipeg
Jan. 12: TWU - Saskatchewan
Jan. 13: Cape Breton - Memorial
Jan. 13: Windsor - Waterloo

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stephon LAMAR
  Saskatch.
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 25.8

1. Lamar, Saskatch.	25.8
2. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	25.7
3. Allin, Laurier	24.3
4. Perrin, TWU	21.2
5. Hill, Toronto Univ.	20.7
6. Scrubb, Carleton	20.4
7. Faulkner, Queen''s	20.0
8. Dunn, St.Francis X.	19.6
9. Thomas, St.Franc.	19.6
10. Berhanemeske., Ot.	19.5

Rebounds Per Game

Owen KLASSEN
  Acadia
  (208-F-91)
  Avg: 13

1. Klassen, Acadia	13.0
2. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s	12.0
3. Phillip, Windsor	10.9
4. Allin, Laurier	10.8
5. Salhia, Lakehead	10.2
6. Kamen, UBC	10.0
7. Burns, Saskatch.	9.4
8. Gauthier, Ryerson	9.3
9. Eyitayo, Concordia	9.2
10. Bozinovic, TRU	8.8

Assists Per Game

Andrew CUNNINGHAM
  Winnipeg
  (186-G-)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Cunningham, Winnip.	7.8
2. Jones, Ryerson	5.9
3. Allin, Laurier	5.0
4. Pasquale, Laure.	5.0
5. Walton, Manitoba	5.0
6. Lamar, Saskatch.	4.9
7. York, UFV	4.9
8. Daley, New Brunsw.	4.9
9. Bonhomme, Brandon	4.8
10. Hebert, Regina	4.8

Steals Per Game

Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	4.3
2. Daley, New Brunsw.	3.4
3. Perrin, TWU	3.0
4. Evans, Victoria	2.8
5. Baker, Saskatch.	2.8
6. Donkoh, St.Franc.	2.8
7. Baker, Alberta	2.8
8. Pink, St.Mary''s	2.5
9. Parchment, UFV	2.5
10. Plumb, UBC	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Thijin MOSES
  Calgary
  (201--)
  Avg: 2

1. Moses, Calgary	2.0
2. O''Brien, New B.	2.0
3. Chesson, Laurier	1.9
4. Dewar, Alberta	1.8
5. Klassen, Acadia	1.7
6. Thomas, St.Franc.	1.7
7. Duke, UPEI	1.7
8. Halpin, St.Mary''s	1.7
9. Salhia, Lakehead	1.7
10. Tufegdzich, York	1.4

CIS Round 17: Golden Hawks defeat leader Lancers - by Eurobasket News

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with defeat of the leader, derby games and favorites losing the games.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Lancers (7-3) in Waterloo, ON on Wednesday night. Visitors were rolled over by sixth ranked Golden Hawks (3-7) 112-92. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Lancers. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 112-92. Golden Hawks made 29-of-37 free shots (78.4 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Lancers turnovers. Guard Maxwell Allin (193) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Guard William Coulthard (188) contributed with 36 points (!!!) and 4 steals for the winners. The former international forward Lien Phillip (203-89) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for Lancers. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Golden Hawks moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Lancers at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in London, ON. Eighth ranked Warriors (1-9) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Mustangs (1-9) 75-73 in the game for the seventh place. Forward Kyrie Coleman stepped up and scored 22 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Gill Jaspreet chipped in 25 points and 4 steals. Forward Peter Scholtes (196) responded with 19 points. Mustangs' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Warriors left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Western. It was Mustangs' fifth loss in a row. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Montreal, QC: Stingers (#3) and Redmen (#2). Redmen was crushed at home by 18 points 65-83 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Kyle Desmarais nailed 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Nathan Joyal came up with 13 points for Redmen in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Stingers (4-2) moved-up to second place. Loser Redmen dropped to the third position with two games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
CIS top team - Gaiters (4-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Citadines (1-5) in Lennoxville, QC 69-58. Gaiters have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 4-1 record. Citadines at the other side keep the fifth position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Guelph, ON supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Marauders (5-5) played at the court of 5th ranked Gryphons (3-7). Marauders smashed Gryphons 97-67 on Wednesday. Rohan Boney orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Marauders have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 5-5 record having just one points less than leader Ryerson, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Gryphons keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

In the last game of round 17 York were smashed by Queen's on the road 92-72.

McGill - Concordia 65-83

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Montreal, QC: Stingers (#3) and Redmen (#2). Redmen was crushed at home by 18 points 65-83 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game without a history. Stingers led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Stingers outrebounded Redmen 46-28 including a 35-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international point guard Kyle Desmarais (188-87, college: Cent.Conn.St.) nailed 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and Ivorian forward Kafil Eyitayo (201) accounted for 17 points and 8 rebounds. Five Stingers players scored in double figures. Forward Nathan Joyal (198) came up with 13 points and forward Vincent Dufort (195) added 7 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Redmen in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Stingers (4-2) moved-up to second place. Loser Redmen dropped to the third position with two games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
McGill: N.Joyal 13+2reb+3ast, D.Clark 10+6reb, S.Bibeau 10+1reb+1ast, A.Hynes-Guery 8+3reb, C.McCue 7+2ast, V.Dufort 7+5reb+5ast
Concordia: K.Desmarais 19+8reb+1ast, K.Eyitayo 17+8reb+1ast, E.Laroche 14+8reb+1ast, J.Blake 12+4reb, T.Garner 10+9reb, A.Chmielewski 9+3reb+3ast

Queen''s - York 92-72

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Golden Gaels (8-3) crushed 6th ranked Lions (4-7) in Kingston, ON 92-72 on Thursday. Golden Gaels maintains fourth place with 8-3 record. Lions lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
York: A.Rados 23+8reb, R.Iheadindu 16+5reb, I.Akeem 15+2reb, M.Ziobrowski 7+3reb, T.Rutty 3+4reb, D.Tyndale 2+1reb+3ast
Queen''s: R.Roberts 23+1reb+3ast, G.Faulkner 18+7reb+3ast, S.Singh 15+1reb+3ast, N.Misljencevic 11+6reb, C.Samuels 6+9reb+4ast, R.Golden 5+1reb

Laurier - Windsor 112-92

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Lancers (7-3) in Waterloo, ON on Wednesday night. Visitors were rolled over by sixth ranked Golden Hawks (3-7) 112-92. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Lancers. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 112-92. Golden Hawks made 29-of-37 free shots (78.4 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Lancers turnovers. Guard Maxwell Allin (193) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Guard William Coulthard (188) contributed with 36 points (!!!) and 4 steals for the winners. The former international forward Lien Phillip (203-89) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Enrico Diloreto (185-90) added 23 points in the effort for Lancers. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Golden Hawks moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Lancers at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Windsor: E.Diloreto 23+3reb, L.Phillip 20+11reb, M.Petrella 15, J.Collins 11+4reb+4ast, R.Osuntola 9+4reb, E.Matthews 8+6reb
Laurier: W.Coulthard 36+2reb+3ast, M.Allin 28+7reb+10ast, P.Donnelly 16+10reb+1ast, A.Walters 12+2reb+3ast, J.Forde 9+5reb, A.Obano 5

Bishop''s - UQAM 69-58

CIS top team - Gaiters (4-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Citadines (1-5) in Lennoxville, QC 69-58. Gaiters have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 4-1 record. Citadines at the other side keep the fifth position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
UQAM: V.Lanctot-Fortier 16+8reb, G.Saint-Amand 13+2reb, R.Kwaku Addai 9+2reb+3ast, P.Tamba 7+5reb+1ast, N.Audet 5+2reb, A.Pivovar 3+1reb
Bishop''s: O.Blackwood 16+9reb+1ast, J.Leonard-Smith 14+2reb, T.Hunter 12+3reb+2ast, M.Andrews 12+2reb+2ast, J.Bermillo 7+3reb+2ast, S.Ring 5+6reb+3ast

Guelph - McMaster 67-97

The game in Guelph, ON supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Marauders (5-5) played at the court of 5th ranked Gryphons (3-7). Marauders smashed Gryphons 97-67 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Marauders. Gryphons was better in fourth quarter 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Marauders forced 20 Gryphons turnovers. Guard Rohan Boney (193) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Guard Aaron Redpath (193) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Five Marauders players scored in double figures. Guard Zachary Angus (185) answered with 17 points and 4 assists and forward Adam Kemp (201) added 7 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Gryphons. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Marauders have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 5-5 record having just one points less than leader Ryerson, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Gryphons keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Guelph: Z.Angus 17+4reb+4ast, D.McCarthy 11+1reb+1ast, D.Thompson 10+1reb+2ast, J.Beatty 8+2reb, A.Kemp 7+7reb, T.Thompson 7+5reb+1ast
McMaster: A.Redpath 21+2reb+2ast, R.Boney 18+6reb+2ast, J.Rocca 13+7reb+1ast, S.Laws 12+2ast, T.Black 10+6reb+2ast, A.Presutti 6

Western - Waterloo 73-75

Important game to mention about took place in London, ON. Eighth ranked Warriors (1-9) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Mustangs (1-9) 75-73 in the game for the seventh place. Mustangs were ahead by 7 points at the halftime before a 41-32 second half run of Warriors. They made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Mustangs turnovers. Mustangs were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Kyrie Coleman stepped up and scored 22 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Gill Jaspreet chipped in 25 points and 4 steals. Forward Peter Scholtes (196) responded with 19 points and guard Elliott Dooley scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Four Mustangs players scored in double figures. Mustangs' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Warriors left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Western. It was Mustangs' fifth loss in a row. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Western: P.Scholtes 19+3reb+2ast, E.Dooley 14+6reb+2ast, Q.Henderson 10+4reb, R.Higgins 10+6reb+4ast, C.Drouin 7+2reb+2ast, G.Morrow 6+7reb+2ast
Waterloo: G.Jaspreet 25+3reb+2ast, K.Coleman 22+8reb, W.Bridge 12+6reb+2ast, W.Davis 7+4reb+3ast, B.Smith 4+5reb+2ast, D.Buchanan 3+1reb

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CHINA

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Guangdong ST		17-3
2. Beijing Ducks		15-4
3. Shandong FB		13-7
4. Liaoning H.		12-7
5. Shanxi Zh.		12-8
6. Xinjiang FT		12-8
7. Guangsha L.		11-9
8. Zhejiang CB		10-9
9. Bayi R.		10-10
10. DongGuan L.		10-10
11. TianJin S.		9-11
12. Foshan LL		8-12
13. Jiangsu D.		7-12
14. Jilin NE T.		7-13
15. Fujian QB		7-13
16. Shanghai S.		5-15
17. Qingdao E.		3-17

Regular Season: Round 21

Jan. 11: Jilin NE T. - Shandong FB 87-98
Jan. 11: Bayi R. - Xinjiang FT 81-105
Jan. 11: Shanxi Zh. - Foshan LL 121-132
Jan. 11: Guangsha L. - Fujian QB 112-104
Jan. 11: Jiangsu D. - Guangdong ST 110-113
Jan. 11: DongGuan L. - Zhejiang CB 108-106
Jan. 11: Qingdao E. - Shanghai S. 103-91
Jan. 11: TianJin S. - Liaoning H. 100-102

Regular Season: Round 22

Jan. 13: Jilin NE T. - Qingdao E.
Jan. 13: Liaoning H. - Shandong FB
Jan. 13: Shanghai S. - Xinjiang FT
Jan. 13: Bayi R. - Shanxi Zh.
Jan. 13: TianJin S. - Beijing Ducks
Jan. 13: Guandong ST - Zhejiang CB
Jan. 13: Foshan LL - Guangsha L.
Jan. 13: Fujian QB - Jiangsu D.

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Quincy DOUBY
  Zhejiang CB
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 32.3

1. Douby, Zhejiang CB	32.3
2. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.	31.9
3. Akognon, Liaoning.	31.1
4. Williams, Shanxi Z.	30.9
5. Daniels, Qingdao E.	30.5
6. Forbes, Guangsha	30.0
7. Randolph, Foshan	29.2
8. Spencer, Jilin N.	28.2
9. Harris, Jiangsu D.	27.9
10. Hudson, DongGuan	27.8

Rebounds Per Game

Donnell HARVEY
  TianJin S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 16.3

1. Harvey, TianJin S.	16.3
2. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.	14.2
3. Randolph, Foshan	13.8
4. Harris, Jiangsu D.	12.9
5. Abbas, Shandong FB	12.4
6. Daniels, Qingdao E.	12.0
7. Wang, Fujian QB	12.0
8. Siler, Jiangsu D.	11.9
9. Ramos, Guangsha L.	11.8
10. Li, Liaoning H.	11.6

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLES
  TianJin S.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Daghles, TianJin S.	10.6
2. Lu, Shanxi Zh.	6.1
3. Marbury, Beijing	5.9
4. Williams, Shanxi Z.	5.2
5. Jeter, Shandong FB	5.2
6. Qahwash, Jiang.	4.9
7. Hudson, DongGuan	4.8
8. Douby, Zhejiang CB	4.6
9. McGrady, Qingd.	4.5
10. Gaines, Fujian QB	4.5

Steals Per Game

Quincy DOUBY
  Zhejiang CB
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Douby, Zhejiang CB	2.9
2. Spencer, Jilin N.	2.5
3. Marbury, Beijing	2.3
4. Hu, Jiangsu D.	2.3
5. Co, Xinjiang FT	2.3
6. Meng, Jiangsu D.	2.2
7. Ding, Zhejiang CB	2.1
8. Zhong, Jilin NE T.	2.1
9. Han, Bayi R.	2.1
10. Jeter, Shandong	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Hamady N''DIAYE
  Ti.
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 4.3

1. N''Diaye, Ti.	4.3
2. Zhang, Shanghai S.	2.6
3. Siler, Jiangsu D.	2.2
4. Yi, Guangdong ST	2.1
5. Wang, Bayi R.	1.7
6. Yan, Shanxi Zh.	1.6
7. Morris, Beijing Du.	1.6
8. Haislip, DongGuan.	1.6
9. Han, Liaoning H.	1.5
10. White, Shanghai S.	1.4

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CROATIA

KK Zagreb add Car in their roster - by Darko Hudina

After KK Cedevita Zagreb released Marko Car (188-SG-85) month ago, he find new club in KK Zagreb. This 27-year old player in his carrer play in KK Split, KK Osjecki Sokol Osijek, Michelin Etha Engomis Nicosia, Egaleo AO,KK Zadar. Last year he reached this stats: in EuroCup: 8 games: 5.9ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.4apg;in Adriatic League: 28 games: 8.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, in Croatian League: 21 games: 7.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg. Marko Car made best performance in 2010/11 season when he playing for KK Zadar where he was leader with great stats; in Croatian League: 16 games: Score-1 (21.7ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-4 (1.9spg); in EuroChallenge: 12 games: 13.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg;in Adriatic League: 26 games: 16.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-4 (2.0spg). For sure he will be one of main players in KK Zagreb

Vrsaljko and Naletilic in Jolly JBS ! - by Dani Erceg

Jolly JBS inforced their roster before start of second part of season. New players in roster are Denis Vrsaljko (212-C-82) who came from Kosovo team Vllaznimi and Josip Naletilic (195-G-89, agency: Interperformances) who came from Siroki WWin. Vrsaljko played so far also for KK Zagreb, KK Zrinjevac, Prokom Trefl Sopot, Falco KC-Szombathely, Zrinjski Mostar and Hopsi Polzela, while Naletilic played all his career so far for Siroki WWin.

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CYPRUS

Proteas Danoi AEL is back! - by Michael Aristidou

Proteas Danoi AEL Limassol succeeded a victory against Cytavision Apoel Nicosia 67-64. Proteas Danoi AEL Limassol started the season with a low profile but it seems that the team has a lot of potentials.

Now Proteas Danoi AEL Limassol is in a 5-8 record while Cytavision Apoel Nicosia has 7-6 record

Quarters: 11-17, 34-31, 51-48, 67-64

Proteas Danoi AEL Limassol: Mihajlo Pesic (206-F/C-81, agency: Three Eye Sports) 26, Guillandeaux 14 (1), Allen 5 (1), Aleksic 13 (1), Palalas 7, Georgiou 2, Loizidis

Cytavision Apoel Nicosia: Troupe 9 (1), Mokongo 2, Neophytou 4, Chan 6, Kremen 6 (2), Stiggers 7, Morrison 11, Wells 17 (1), Laser 2

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings

1. Sparta Praha		14-2
2. Sokol H.K.		12-2
3. JBC Brno		9-7
4. Sokol P.		8-7
5. Loko Plzen		8-7
6. Liberec		8-8
7. Proton Zlin		7-8
8. Ostrava		7-8
9. Nymburk B		7-9
10. Kara Trutnov		6-9
11. Litomerice		5-9
12. U19		2-6
13. Sokol V.		2-13

Regular Season: Round 15

Jan. 11: Liberec - Nymburk B 75-63
Jan. 11: Sokol P. - Sokol V. 71-79
Jan. 11: Sparta Praha - JBC Brno 55-75
Jan. 13: Proton Zlin - Loko Plzen
Jan. 13: Litomerice - Ostrava
Jan. 13: Sokol H.K. - Kara Trutnov

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

East Conference
1. Maine RC		12-8
2. Canton C.		12-8
3. Erie Bay H.		10-6
4. Santa Cruz W.		10-6
5. Sioux Falls S.		10-9
6. Ft.Wayne MA		9-10
7. Iowa E.		5-11
8. Springfield A.		5-12
West Conference
1. Bakersfield J.		12-7
2. Texas L.		11-6
3. Rio Grande VV		9-8
4. Austin T.		9-9
5. Tulsa 66ers		9-9
6. Reno B.		8-8
7. Los Angeles D.		6-9
8. Idaho S.		4-15

Regular Season: Round 26

Jan. 9: Rio Grande VV - Ft.Wayne MA 97-116
Jan. 9: Reno B. - Erie Bay H. 94-90
Jan. 11: Santa Cruz W. - Tulsa 66ers 93-72
Jan. 11: Sioux Falls S. - Rio Grande VV 92-107
Jan. 10: Erie Bay H. - Texas L. 86-83
Jan. 11: Idaho S. - Reno B. 85-103
Jan. 9: Sioux Falls S. - Springfield A. 73-101
Jan. 9: Maine RC - Bakersfield J. 131-124
Jan. 10: Ft.Wayne MA - Tulsa 66ers 121-115
Jan. 11: Bakersfield J. - Los Angeles D. 117-104
Jan. 10: Austin T. - Iowa E. 105-98 OT
Jan. 10: Canton C. - Santa Cruz W. 104-93
Jan. 11: Springfield A. - Maine RC 100-102

Regular Season: Round 27

Jan. 12: Erie Bay H. - Ft.Wayne MA
Jan. 12: Maine RC - Springfield A.
Jan. 12: Canton C. - Iowa E.
Jan. 12: Sioux Falls S. - Rio Grande VV
Jan. 12: Texas L. - Austin T.
Jan. 12: Idaho S. - Reno B.
Jan. 12: Los Angeles D. - Bakersfield J.
Jan. 13: Iowa E. - Canton C.
Jan. 13: Austin T. - Texas L.
Jan. 13: Santa Cruz W. - Tulsa 66ers

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Chris DOUGLAS-ROBERTS
  Texas L.
  (201-G-87)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Douglas-R., Texas	22.5
2. Lamb, Tulsa 66ers	21.5
3. Johnson-Odom, Los	21.0
4. Mack, Maine RC	20.5
5. Goudelock, Sioux F.	20.3
6. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	20.0
7. Fortson, Los A.	19.9
8. Joseph, Austin T.	19.4
9. Kennedy, Erie B.	18.7
10. Dentmon, Austin	18.6

Rebounds Per Game

Arinze ONUAKU
  Canton C.
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Onuaku, Canton C.	11.5
2. Mays, Springfield	10.7
3. Harris, Iowa E.	10.0
4. Butch, Bakersfi.	9.8
5. Jackson, Austin T.	9.3
6. Evans, Idaho S.	9.1
7. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.	8.9
8. Wright, Maine RC	8.8
9. Wilkerson, Austin	8.8
10. Summers, Maine RC	8.2

Assists Per Game

Shelvin MACK
  Maine RC
  (190-G-90)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Mack, Maine RC	7.7
2. Wright, Iowa E.	7.5
3. Machado, Rio G.	7.1
4. Singletary, Texas	6.4
5. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	6.0
6. Fortson, Los A.	5.6
7. Kennedy, Erie B.	5.3
8. Karl, Idaho S.	5.2
9. Uzoh, Springfield	5.2
10. Johnson-Odom, Lo.	5.2

Steals Per Game

Jamario MOON
  Los A.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Moon, Los A.	2.8
2. Wright, Maine RC	2.4
3. Downs, Maine RC	2.2
4. Scott, Springfield	2.2
5. Gutierrez, Canton	2.0
6. McNeal, Bakersfi.	2.0
7. Sutton, Tulsa 66e.	1.9
8. Douglas-R., Texas	1.9
9. Wright, Iowa E.	1.9
10. Johnson, Rio G.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Fabricio MELO
  Maine RC
  (212-C-90)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Melo, Maine RC	3.7
2. Moon, Los A.	2.6
3. Eyenga, Texas L.	2.5
4. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.	2.2
5. Flowers, Los A.	2.2
6. Gladness, Santa C.	2.2
7. Reed, Springfield	2.1
8. Johnson, Santa C.	1.8
9. Orton, Tulsa 66ers	1.8
10. Eric, Canton C.	1.7

Springfield Armor Land Kenny Adeleke - by Surujh Roopnarine

The Springfield Armor have acquired 29-year old power forward Adeleke Kenny (6'9''-C-83, college: Hartford) from the NBA D-league's available player pool. The 6-8, 250lb Adeleke has played professionally for six seasons since leaving the University of Hartford after the 2005-06 season. During his career he has played in Israel, Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine. Most recently, Adeleke played for Henan Jiyuan Iron and Steel in the China NBL during the summer of 2011, averaging 34.2 points, 19.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 18 games.
Adeleke played the first three years of his collegiate career at Hofstra before exhausting his final year of eligibility at the University of Hartford. In his senior season at Hartford, Adeleke appeared in 28 games, averaging 20.7 points and 13.1 rebounds (NCAA #2) in 35.0 minutes per game. Adeleke was one of two unanimous selections to the All-America East First Team following his senior season (2005-06).
To make room on the roster the Armor waived Cliff Tucker (6'6''-G/F, college: Maryland).
Tucker was a third round selection (46th overall) by Springfield in the 2012 NBA D-League Draft. A rookie from the University of Maryland, Tucker appeared in 13 games (one start) with the Armor, averaging 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game.

Friday's five games review - by Eurobasket News

Santa Cruz W. - Tulsa 66ers 93-72
The Tulsa 66ers fell to the Santa Cruz Warriors, 93-72, on Friday at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, Calif. Oklahoma City Thunder assignee Perry Jones III (6'11''-F-91, college: Baylor) posted 13 points and a career-best 18 rebounds while fellow assignee Daniel Orton collected eight points and eight rebounds. Hollis Thompson (6'8''-F-91, college: Georgetown) led Tulsa with 18 points alongside six rebounds and Andy Rautins added 15 points and four boards. Tulsa (9-9) outrebounded Santa Cruz (10-6) 48-45 and forced 16 Warrior turnovers. Santa Cruz was led by Taylor Griffin (6'8''-F-86, college: Oklahoma) with 21 points and nine boards. The 66ers close their four-game West Coast road trip with a rematch against the Warriors on Sunday at 7 p.m. CT in Santa Cruz. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Bakersfield J. - Los Angeles D. 117-104
Bakersfield Jam made it look easy as they cruised past the Los Angeles D-Fenders tonight. Damion James (6'7''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas) came up with 24 points, 7 boards and 5 assists to pace the Jam to the 12th win in the season. Bakersfield remained on top of the West Conference ladder at 12-7 record. Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) contributed 17 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) answered with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for the D-Fenders. Courtney Fortson chipped in 23 points as the visitors slipped at 6-9 record after the defeat. The Jam gained a 62:46 halftime lead. They erupted for 34 points in the third quarter posting a comfortable 96:69 advantage before the final period. The D-Fenders could not recover as the Jam cruised to the victory at the end. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 42:35 and forced those to 18 turnovers.

Sioux Falls S. - Rio Grande VV 92-107
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 107-92 Friday night. Sioux Falls trailed by just five points (77-72) entering the final quarter but Rio Grande Valley outscored them 30-20 in the fourth to improve to 4-6 on the road. Rio Grande Valley (9-8) jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead but Sioux Falls bounced back and led 26-25 after the first quarter. Tim Ohlbrecht (6'11''-F/C-88) had a huge first quarter for the Vipers with 14 points on 5-of-5 field goals. Rio Grande Valley led 52-48 at halftime. Sioux Falls (10-9) trailed by 11 points (73-62) with 1:40 to go in the third quarter but Gabe Pruitt converted a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the deficit to five points (77-72) heading into the final quarter. Rio Grande Valley started the fourth quarter on a 21-4 run to blow open a close game and hand Sioux Falls its third straight loss. Ohlbrecht finished with game-highs in points (29) and rebounds (13) to lead the Vipers. Andrew Goudelock (6'3''-G-88, college: Charleston) added 23 points while Houston Rockets assignee Patrick Beverley had a solid all-around game with 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Demetris Nichols (6'9''-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored a team-high 21 points and Mark Tyndale added 16 in defeat. The same two teams tangle at the Sioux Falls Arena tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT. Courtesy of: kdlt.com

Idaho S. - Reno B. 85-103
The Reno Bighorns (8-8) got back to .500 for the first time since December 8 after cruising past the Idaho Stampede (4-15) in Boise Friday night for their fourth-straight win. The Bighorns were led by Memphis Grizzlies' assignee Tony Wroten (6'5''-G-93, college: Washington)'s 21 points. Wroten, who today was assigned to Reno for the third time this season, repeatedly used his speed to get past Stampede defenders and drive to the bucket. Jerome Jordan (7'0''-C-86, college: Tulsa) recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Walker Russell, Jr. set a season-high with 12 assists on the night. The Stampede got 17 points from Josh Owens and Coby Karl each. The two teams shooting percentage was almost identical, but the Bighorns attempted 19 more field goals than the Stampede, shooting 45.2% from the field (42-93). The Stampede went 34-74 from the field, for a 45.9% shooting percentage. Reno also out-rebounded Idaho 52-38. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Springfield A. - Maine RC 100-102
It's a virtual certainty on the yearly NBA Development League schedule that the Springfield Armor will face the Maine Red Claws several times in a short span. These East Division rivals, who came into the league four years ago, hit the hardwood Friday for the first of a two-night home-and-home series. Over the next 13 games, the Armor will face the Red Claws six times. The first one went to the Red Claws, as Boston Celtics first-round draft pick Fabricio Melo (7'0''-C-90, college: Syracuse)'s putback with 1.2 seconds left gave Maine a 102-100 victory before 3,456 at the MassMutual Center. Armor guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-PG-88, college: Tulsa), who had 17 points and 11 assists, tied the game 100-100 on a driving layup with 35.1 seconds left. He missed the ensuing free throw, and two subsequent Armor putback attempts were swatted away by Melo. "Tonight hurts, because I thought we were there," said Armor coach Bob MacKinnon, whose team trailed by 10 points with about four minutes to play. The teams meet again Saturday night in Portland, Maine. The Armor are an underwhelming 1-5 on the road, where they will spend the next four games. "We're professionals. We're supposed to respond," MacKinnon said. "Now, we have to come (Saturday) night and respond again." James Mays (6'9''-F-86, college: Clemson) paced Springfield (5-12) with 24 points. Also reaching double figures were Dennis Horner (15), Carleton Scott (13) and Ramone Moore (12). The problem wasn't scoring, however. It was taking care of the ball late. Springfield committed 15 second-half turnovers. "We turned the ball over too much in the third and the fourth (quarters)," MacKinnon said. "That leads to easy baskets." Micah Downs, a 6-foot-9 swingman from Gonzaga, hit the big shot of the fourth - a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired - to break an 85-85 tie and spark a 10-2 Red Claws run. Downs and Shelvin Mack led Maine (12-8) with 26 points apiece. Mack, one of the stars of Butler University's Cinderella runs to the NCAA Division I title game in 2010 and '11, gave Maine a 98-88 lead with a 3-pointer with just under four minutes left. He might have taken over further if not for Uzoh's defensive pressure. "I thought Ben got the advantage (in that matchup)," MacKinnon said. Maine led by as many as 11 points in the second quarter after Downs drained a 3-pointer midway through the period. However, Springfield entered halftime on a 19-9 run, capped by Horner's bucket at the buzzer that cut the deficit to 53-52. The momentum continued into the third, as the Armor took a 60-56 lead on back-to-back 3-pointers by Scott and a Willie Reed tip-in. The advantage grew as large as six points on three occasions. Downs, however, closed the third quarter with Maine's last seven points, including a late 3-pointer to give the Red Claws an 80-79 lead heading into the fourth. Melo, the former Syracuse center selected by the Celtics in June, returned to action for the Red Claws after missing the last two weeks with a concussion. Former University of Hartford standout Kenny Adeleke, who was signed Friday to replace Cliff Tucker, made his Armor debut. Courtesy of: masslive.com

Ubiles is back at Warriors - by Eurobasket News

Santa Cruz Warriors signed 27-year old Puerto Rican ex-international swingman Edwin Ubiles (198-93kg-86, college: Siena). Ubiles already started the season at Cholet Basket in French ProA. In only one game this season he recorded just 2 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Ubiles was selected to D-League All-Star Game in 2012.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as His college team won MAAC Tournament for three years in a row (between 2008 and 2010). He also represented Puerto Rico at the Centrobasket in San Juan (Puerto Rico) last year. Ubiles team won Silver and his stats at that event were 4 games: 5.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 45.8%, FT: 33.3%.
Ubiles has played previously professionally in NBA (Washington Wizards) and Puerto Rico (Indios).
He attended Siena College until 2010 and it will be his third season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Jai Lucas joins Sioux Falls Skyforce - by Eurobasket News

Sioux Falls Skyforce agreed terms with 25-year old guard Jai Lucas (177-88, college: Texas). He just played at Idaho Stampede (D-League). In 12 games this season he had 7.8ppg, 1.7rpg and 2.5apg. The last season Lucas played at BK Valmiera in Latvian LBL. In 29 games last year he recorded very impressive stats: 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.4apg and 1.0spg. A very spectacular season in his career as he was named to Eurobasket.com Latvian League All-Imports Team, 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game. He also played 12 games in Baltic League where he was fourth best scorer with 14.3ppg and averaged 2.9rpg, 3.8apg (top 2) and 1.5spg. He helped them to make it to the quarterfinals.
Last year (a year after he left the college) Lucas was drafted by Idaho Stampede (D-League) in sixth round (83rd overall).
He attended University of Texas until 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.
Lucas played in the final of Big 12 Tournament in 2011.
He was a member of USA U18 National Team back in 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Celtics assign Fab Melo to Maine - by Eurobasket News

The Boston Celtics have assigned center Fabricio Melo (7'0''-C-90, college: Syracuse) to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. Melo, a 70 center, has appeared in 12 games for the Red Claws this season averaging 10.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.83 blocks per game which ranks second in the D-League. Courtesy of: basketball.realgm.com

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Santiago League set to start - by Oscar Peralta

Santiago is heating up as teams are getting ready for the league to start. The set date is for Feb. 27, 2013. CDP has made a press conference where they statedthat they are already training and getting the club ready to retain the tittle. Meanwhile other teams are making adjustments to there last year roster to try and compete and bring the Championship home. More details of player signings and teams movement will be provided in the following weeks. It should be an exciting year in Santiago basketball.

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EBA

EBA & ABA Powerhouses Set To Collide - by EBA Media

Its a game that has been years in the making! Its a battle of New York & New Jersey! Its potentially the best that Minor League Basketball has to offer!

The Jersey Express of the American Basketball Association have agreed to host the New York Wizards of the Eastern Basketball Alliance in an interleague battle at Centenary Colleges beautiful John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center in Hackettstown NJ on Saturday January 26th at 7 PM.

What makes this game special? Many reasons! Perhaps most important is that these two teams are real professional minor league basketball teams. They practice, play at quality facilities, have players European Scouts and Coaches have avid interest in, and they win!

Marsha Blount and I have been talking for about 3 years now in terms of attempting to arrange a game Stated Wizards head Coach Greg Cerillo I respect her and her organization so much. When we finally had dates that aligned I think we both felt a bit of excitement.

Truly these two teams are exactly what minor league basketball is all about. Both teams are loaded with former college talent and many former Division 1 players! No mens league superstars or YouTube sensations here! These teams can flat out ball! In 4 years of play in the EBA the Wizards have won 2 Division Titles and made 2 Final Four appearances. The Wizards have also had 9 players ink paid contracts or overseas deals in the past 14 months.

The Express are a perianal powerhouse in the ABA and currently lead the Northeast Division with a 2-1 record and a 120 PPG average. The Express scoring is distributed among 7 players averaging double digits! Express leading scorers include William McDonough at 19 PPG and Devon Young at 18 PPG.
The Wizards have a stifling defense which has held their two opponents to an 89 PPG average while averaging 130 PPG on the offensive end for a +41 point winning margin per contest.

All the averages and stats are out the window at this point Continued Cerillo We will rely on what has always made us successful. We are going to get the ball in the hand of our experienced players and Captains (Aubin Scott LIU, Eric Ferguson Arkansas, Brandon Lawley Mansfield) and have them lead us.

The Wizards are led in scoring by 66 Khalil McDonald (Queens College) averaging 37 PPG, 66 Brandon Lawleys 17 rebounds per game, and 69 center Ant Cox (Farmingdale) averaging 15 PPG and 13 RPG. The Wizards also get exceptional shooting from 63 Shavar Richardson (Florida Atlantic) at 21 PPG and added punch from 66 former Southern Mississippi star SaiQuon Stones 12.5 PPG and 4.5 steals per game. If that is not enough former Iona standout Trinity Fields adds 8 PPG and 5 APG to go with 2 time EBA MVP Aubin Scotts14 PPG and 9 APG!

The Wizards can also count on former Norfolk State starts 65 Rob Hampton and 69 Tim Zephyr to produce since being added to the roster after returning home from playing in Chile!

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML

KML Standings

1. TU/Rock		13-0
2. Tarvas		13-4
3. Kalev/Cramo		9-5
4. TTU		8-7
5. Valga		8-8
6. Rapla		6-9
7. Parnu		5-10
8. Tln Kalev		4-12
9. Hito/Johvi		1-14

Regular Season: Round 14

Jan. 11: Valga - Rapla 72-59
Jan. 9: TTU - Valga 68-49
Jan. 13: TTU - Tln Kalev

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Maris LAKSA
  Tarvas
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 17.1

1. Laksa, Tarvas	17.1
2. Tamm, Tarvas	16.2
3. Campbell, Tln Kalev	15.8
4. Lindmets, Tarvas	15.7
5. Akenparg, TTU	15.6
6. Matulionis, Parnu	15.6
7. Okoye, Tln Kalev	15.1
8. Peciukeviciu., Par.	14.3
9. Laur, Hito/Johvi	14.2
10. Pilk, Rapla	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Rain RAADIK
  Parnu
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Raadik, Parnu	11.5
2. Okoye, Tln Kalev	10.2
3. Lindmets, Tarvas	9.4
4. Trumm, Hito/Johvi	8.2
5. Arnold, TTU	7.2
6. Ringmets, Rapla	7.1
7. Grafs, Valga	6.9
8. Cunda, Valga	6.7
9. Keedus, TTU	6.5
10. Grim, Valga	6.4

Assists Per Game

Augustas PECIUKEVICIUS
  Parnu
  (192-G-91)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Peciukeviciu., Par.	5.5
2. Tamm, Tarvas	5.2
3. Keedus, TTU	5.1
4. Cunda, Valga	4.0
5. Campbell, Tln Kalev	3.9
6. Saare, Hito/Johvi	3.7
7. McLeod, Kalev/Cr.	3.5
8. Laane, Rapla	3.5
9. Pilk, Rapla	2.5
10. Saage, TU/Rock	2.3

Steals Per Game

Reimo TAMM
  Tarvas
  (185-PG-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Tamm, Tarvas	2.6
2. Laane, Rapla	2.5
3. Akenparg, TTU	2.1
4. Saage, TU/Rock	2.0
5. Peciukeviciu., Par.	1.9
6. Leppik, TU/Rock	1.8
7. Campbell, Tln Kalev	1.7
8. Keedus, TTU	1.7
9. Okoye, Tln Kalev	1.6
10. Pilk, Rapla	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Andrew ARNOLD
  TTU
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Arnold, TTU	1.3
2. Okoye, Tln Kalev	0.8
3. Saks, Tarvas	0.7
4. Grim, Valga	0.7
5. Matulionis, Parnu	0.6
6. Raadik, Parnu	0.6
7. Saarmets, TTU	0.6
8. Tambre, Hito/Johvi	0.5
9. Makke, TTU	0.4
10. Lindmets, Tarvas	0.4

TU/Rock and Kalev/Cramo start with the wins - by Eurobasket News

TU/Rock and Kalev/Cramo start with the wins the Top 16 stage of Baltic League. TU/Rock overcame Sakalai 103:60. Justin Ingram (188-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and guard Rain Veideman (193-G-91) chipped in 20 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). At the losing side Jokubas Gintvainis (191-SF-94) responded with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and center Ignas Ramasauskas scored 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Kalev/Cramo outscored Naglis Palangos 84:75. Senegalese center Bamba Fall stepped up and scored 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners and Tanel Sokk chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. At the losing side Ryan Olander (213-C, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Fairfield) responded with 19 points and the other Parrish Brown (185-G-84, college: Maryland) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds.

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EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group E
1. CSKA			3-0
2. Real Madrid			3-0
3. Anadolu Efes			2-1
4. Panathinaikos			2-1
5. Zalgiris			1-2
6. Unicaja			1-2
7. ALBA			0-3
8. Brose Bask.			0-3
Group F
1. Caja Laboral			3-0
2. Montepaschi			3-0
3. Khimky			2-1
4. FCB Regal			2-1
5. Maccabi T-A			1-2
6. Olympiacos			1-2
7. Besiktas			0-3
8. Fener.Ulker			0-3

Stage One Standings

Top 16: Round 3

Jan. 10: CSKA - Brose Bask. 90-83
Jan. 10: Panathinaikos - Unicaja 78-73
Jan. 11: Real Madrid - Zalgiris 75-74
Jan. 11: Anadolu Efes - ALBA 71-62

Jan. 10: Maccabi T-A - Fener.Ulker 91-73
Jan. 11: Montepaschi - Khimky 82-76
Jan. 10: Caja Laboral - Besiktas 77-51
Jan. 11: FCB Regal - Olympiacos 76-68

Top 16: Round 4

Jan. 18: Zalgiris - CSKA
Jan. 18: Unicaja - Real Madrid
Jan. 18: ALBA - Panathinaikos
Jan. 18: Brose Bask. - Anadolu Efes

Jan. 18: Besiktas - FCB Regal
Jan. 18: Fener.Ulker - Caja Laboral
Jan. 18: Olympiacos - Montepaschi
Jan. 18: Khimky - Maccabi T-A

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Bobby BROWN
  Montepaschi
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Brown, Montepaschi	20.9
2. Nachbar, Brose B.	17.8
3. Langford, EA7 A.	17.0
4. Weems, CSKA	16.9
5. Spanoulis, Olympia.	15.8
6. Schilb, Chalon	15.5
7. Aradori, Cantu	15.0
8. Jerrells, Besiktas	14.6
9. Krstic, CSKA	14.6
10. Hickman, Maccabi	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Aron BAYNES
  Un.Olimpija
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Baynes, Un.Olimpija	9.8
2. Bourousis, EA7 A.	8.3
3. Williams, Chalon	7.6
4. Gordon, Partizan	7.5
5. Khryapa, CSKA	7.2
6. Mahalbasic, Asseco	6.8
7. Lasme, Panathin.	6.8
8. Tomic, FCB Regal	6.2
9. Hines, Olympiacos	6.2
10. Thompson, ALBA	6.1

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panath.
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Diamantidis, Panat.	5.9
2. Planinic, Khimky	5.8
3. Brown, Montepaschi	5.6
4. Spanoulis, Olympia.	5.5
5. Blassingame, Assec.	5.1
6. Cook, EA7 Armani	5.0
7. Teodosic, CSKA	4.8
8. Farmar, Anadolu	4.2
9. Tabu-Eboma, Cantu	4.2
10. Westermann, Parti.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Ricky HICKMAN
  Maccabi .
  (189-PG-85)
  Avg: 2

1. Hickman, Maccabi	2.0
2. Jaaber, Zalgiris	1.9
3. Gordon, Anadolu	1.9
4. Lucic, Partizan	1.6
5. Green, Cedevita	1.6
6. Khryapa, CSKA	1.6
7. Teodosic, CSKA	1.5
8. Cook, EA7 Armani	1.4
9. Draper, Real M.	1.3
10. Fernandez, Real M.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Stephane LASME
  Panathin.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Lasme, Panathin.	2.0
2. Tomic, FCB Regal	1.5
3. James, Maccabi T-A	1.5
4. Ress, Montepaschi	1.4
5. Cusin, Cantu	1.4
6. Falker, Besiktas	1.2
7. Vidmar, Besiktas	1.2
8. Khryapa, CSKA	1.1
9. Slaughter, Real M.	1.1
10. Gordon, Partizan	1.1

Khryapa's double-double lands him (Top 16) Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

30-year old forward Viktor Khryapa (203-F-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked CSKA and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 3 (Top 16).
He had a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Brose Bask. (#7, 0-3) 90-83. CSKA maintains the 2nd position in Euroleague group E. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but CSKA already had a very good start winning all 3 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Khryapa had a remarkable 71.4% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at CSKA, through which he has constantly improved. Khryapa has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 7.2rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg,57.6% FGP and 44.4% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85) of Maccabi T-A. He is American guard in his first season at Maccabi T-A. In the last game Hickman recorded impressive 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he lead Maccabi T-A to another comfortable win 91-73 over Fener.Ulker (0-3) being unquestionably team leader. The Top 16 is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Hickman is a newcomer at Maccabi T-A and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Bostjan Nachbar (207-PF-80) of Brose Bask. (#7). Nachbar got into 30-points club by scoring 35 points in the last round. Despite Nachbar's great performance Brose Bask. lost 83-90 to CSKA (#2, 3-0). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Brose Bask. can only dream about fighting for top spots in group E. They have awful Top 16 losing so far all 3 games. Too bad for Nachbar he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Nachbar has individually a great season in Euroleague. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.8ppg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Shawn James (207-C-83) of Maccabi T-A - 22 points and 5 rebounds
5. Tomas Ress (209-C-80) of Montepaschi - 16 points and 10 rebounds
6. Deon Thompson (203-F-88) of ALBA - 15 points and 11 rebounds
7. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) of FCB Regal - 15 points and 12 rebounds
8. Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) of Caja Laboral - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) of Montepaschi - 11 points and 9 rebounds
10. Marko Popovic (185-G-82) of Zalgiris - 21 points and 3 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Top 16 Round 3 Results and Stats - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Anadolu Efes - ALBA 71-62
Anadolu Efes clinched the second win in EuroLeague Top 16. Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) and Dusko Savanovic (204-PF-83, agency: Beo Basket) produced 15 points each to pace the winners. ALBA kept the intrigue alive throughout the entire 40 minutes but Anadolu Efes survived the challenge to claim the win. ALBA set the tone early in the encounter. The German team gained the lead and rattled off a 19:16 advantage after ten minutes. Anadolu Efes adjusted defensively in the second frame. The Turkish team held the Berliners to 11 points and eked out a 35:30 halftime lead. Anadolu Efes kept ALBA at distance throughout the third term. The hosts piled up a 52:44 advantage heading into the fourth frame. ALBA narrowed the gap at 4-point mark midway through the final term 54:58. However Dusko Savanovic answered with a triple and then followed with two free throws to make it 63:54 lead. Dashaun Wood and Deon Thomspon dragged the visitors within three points 62:65 with 58 seconds remaining. Jamon Lukas Gordon then sank four points in a row and sealed the win for the hosts. Kerem Tunceri nailed 11 points for Anadolu Efes. Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) answered with 15 points and 11 boards for ALBA. Je'Kel Foster chipped in 11 points in defeat.

Real Madrid - Zalgiris 75-74
Real Madrid eked out an exhausting and emotional victory over visiting Zalgiris in EuroLeague Top 16 Round 3 tonight. Sergio Rodriguez (191-PG-86) drained a late three-pointer as Real snatched home win to stay perfect in Group E. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) finished with 17 points for the home team. It was a close battle from start to finish. Zalgiris got to the better start as they enjoyed a 20:11 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Real finished the period strong and got within 5 points at the first break 18:23. The hosts denied the deficit in the second stanza. Sergio Rodriguez converted a layup to put the hosts in front 29:28. The lead changed hands for several times before Nikola Mirotic made it 40:40 at halftime. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the third quarter. Hettscheimer capped the period with a jumper as Real snatched a 54:52 lead with ten minutes remaining. It all came down to the final seconds in this one. Real took a 72:70 lead with 64 seconds remaining in regulation. However Sergio Rodriguez committed a turnover and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) was given a foul that allowed Ksistof Lavrinovic to put Zalgiris on level terms with Real 72:72. Oliver Lafayette then followed with two free throws that gave the Lithuanian team a 74:72 advantage with 8 seconds remaining. But it was just enough for Rudy Fernandez to find Sergio Rodriguez in the corner and the guard drained a crucial three-pointer to seal the win for the hosts. Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull accounted for 10 points each for Real. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) fired 21 points on 5/9 shooting from beyond the arc. Oliver Lafayette contributed 13 points in the loss.

Panathinaikos - Unicaja 78-73
Panathinaikos Athens edge Unicaja Malaga in front of 11000 fans in Greece. The hosts won 78:73 and improved to 2-1 record in Group E. The Spanish side fell at 1-2 record. Panathinaikos Athens won the first period 23-19 and led only 2 points at the halftime. Moreover Unicaja Malaga posted a 21-17 surge in the third period and grabbed 2-point advantage entering the last stanza. Panathinaikos Athens looked better in the last quarter as James Gist (205-F-86) scored for 73:64 but the victory was not so easy. Krunoslav Simon reduced to 73:71 and then he missed an important three-pointer to tie the game. Michael Bramos made two free throws for 76:71 and Marcus Banks (188-G-81, college: UNLV) scored two free throws for the final success. James Gist paced all the winners with 17 points and Marcus Banks as well as Jonas Maciulis (199-F/G-85) had 14 each. Jason Kapono and Stephane Lasme followed them with 7 points each. Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) finished the game with 14 points in defeat, while Andy Panko, Krunoslav Simon and Luka Zoric notched 11 each.

CSKA - Brose Bask. 90-83
CSKA successfully opens Round 3 of Top 16 in EuroLeague. The Russian Champions improved to 3-0 record in Group E after 90:83 win over Brose Basket. The German side meanwhile fell at 0-3 record. It was not a good start for the hosts of the game that trailed 2 points after the first period. CSKA won the second frame 23-22 but was behind 45:46 at the halftime. In the third quarter the Russian team managed to take an advantage and could take 67:64 lead entering the last stanza. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) and Viktor Khryapa (203-F-82) scored important threes at the end of the game for the final success. Viktor Khryapa top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Milos Teodosic and Dionte Christmas (196-G-86, college: Temple) posted 17 each. Krstic Nenad scored 14, while Kaun Sasha delivered 10. Bostjan Nachbar (207-PF-80) erupted with 35 points in the losing effort and Gipson Teddy as well as Zirbes Maik brought 12 apiece. Goldsberry John followed them with 9 points.

Group F

Montepaschi - Khimky 82-76
Montepaschi Siena claimed the third consecutive victory in EuroLeague Top 16 round. They outgunned visiting Khimky tonight to remain on top of Group F. Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) topscored for the Italian champions with 20 points. Khimky led throughout the bigger part of the game. They grabbed a 27:20 advantage ten minutes into the encounter. Montepaschi stressed their defence in the second quarter. The Siena team narrowed the gap at 2-point mark at halftime 39:41. Montepaschi eventually denied the deficit in the third quarter. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 60. But the hosts made necessary arrangement and put on a decisive rally in the dying stages to snatch a tough victory at the end. Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M) delivered 16 points, while Matt Janning contributed 12 points for the hosts. K.C. Rivers (196-G-87, college: Clemson) answered with 13 points for Khimky. Kresimir Loncar totalled 12 points in the loss.

FCB Regal - Olympiacos 76-68
Barcelona secured the second win in EuroLeague Top 16 round. They held off visiting Olympiacos for 2-1 record in Group F. The Reds fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) paced the hosts with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Barcelona grabbed the lead early on. They held Olympiacos at 13 points in the first term to accumulate a 5-point lead. The Catalan team gained a 41:32 halftime lead. Olympiacos managed to slow their opponents down in the third term. The Greek side got within 8 points heading into the fourth stanza. However Ante Tomic helped the hosts to an 11-point lead at 68:57 and Barcelona never looked back en route to the victory afterwards. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) delivered 12 points, while Victor Sada, Marcelinho Huertas and Sarunas Jasikevicius had 10 points each in the win. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) responded with 14 points for the visitors. Pero Antic and Vassilis Spanoulis finished with 9 points apiece for Olympiacos.

Caja Laboral - Besiktas 77-51
Caja Laboral stayed on the winning track in EuroLeague Top 16. They fired past Besiktas in Vitoria to claim the third win in a row in Group F. Brad Oleson (191-G-83, agency: Duran International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) led balanced effort with 13 points. Besiktas dropped the third straight game in Top 16. Caja Laboral shocked the visitors with a 25:2 run at the start of the game. The hosts piled up a 27:7 lead at the first intermission. Besiktas managed to narrow the gap at 15-point mark midway through the second term. Nemanja Bjelica capped the first half with a three-pointer as Caja Laboral enjoyed a 45:24 lead. The hosts opened the third term with five points in a row and practically never looked back en route to a resounding victory. Maciej Lampe, Tibor Pleiss and Nemanja Bjelica delivered 12 points each for the home team. Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) answered with 12 points for Besiktas. Curtis Jerrells had 10 points in the loss.

Maccabi T-A - Fener.Ulker 91-73
Maccabi Electra outgun Fenerbahce Ulker in Israel in front of 11000 fans. The Israeli team recovered after two losses and posted a 91:73 for 1-2 record in Group F. The Turkish team remained without victories in the Top 16. Both teams entered the game winless and desired to start the winning account in Top 16. Maccabi Electra started with 23-21 lead but could not win the first half. Fenerbahce Ulker replied with 15-13 and tied the game at the halftime. The second half however belonged only to one team, Maccabi. The latter won the third quarter 17-12 and erupted with 38-25 in the last stanza. Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Shawn James (207-C-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Northeastern) added 22. Devin Smith brought 11, while Sylven Landesberg had 8. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89), Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) and Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) each scored 15 apiece, while Mike Batiste netted 10.

*****************************************************

FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Nilan Bisons		17-5
2. Pyrinto		16-5
3. Kataja		16-5
4. KTP		16-6
5. Kauhajoki		14-7
6. Kouvot		10-11
7. LrNMKY		10-11
8. Salon Vilpas		7-14
9. Korihait		6-15
10. Lapua		6-15
11. FoKoPo		5-16
12. Namika Lahti		4-17

Regular Season: Round 23

Jan. 11: KTP - Nilan Bisons 87-81
Jan. 12: Salon Vilpas - Pyrinto
Jan. 12: Lapua - Kataja
Jan. 12: LrNMKY - Kauhajoki
Jan. 12: FoKoPo - Kouvot
Jan. 12: Namika Lahti - Korihait

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Jason CONLEY
  LrNM.
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 23

1. Conley, LrNM.	23.0
2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	22.3
3. Gibson, LrNM.	21.3
4. Clavell, Kouvot	19.5
5. Haanpaa, Lapua	17.6
6. Logins, LrNM.	17.0
7. Holloway, Namika L.	17.0
8. Ulmer, Pyrinto	16.9
9. Tolbert, Lapua	16.7
10. Flowers, Kataja	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Ryan MCDADE
  Nilan B.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 10.4

1. McDade, Nilan B.	10.4
2. Conley, LrNM.	9.8
3. Ford, Kauhajoki	8.8
4. Giles, KTP	8.5
5. Williams, Pyrinto	8.4
6. Thorpe, FoKoPo	8.2
7. Logins, LrNM.	8.0
8. Thornton, FoKoPo	8.0
9. Johnson, Namika L.	7.8
10. Dyer, Korihait	7.8

Assists Per Game

Damon WILLIAMS
  Pyrinto
  (201-F-73)
  Avg: 8

1. Williams, Pyrinto	8.0
2. Coleman, Lapua	5.4
3. Ivey, Nilan Bisons	5.1
4. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	4.7
5. Smith, Kataja	4.5
6. Gibson, LrNM.	4.4
7. Watson, Kauhajoki	4.4
8. Burgess, FoKoPo	4.1
9. Nikkarinen, Kouvot	4.0
10. Virtanen, Kataja	3.5

Steals Per Game

Jonte FLOWERS
  Kataja
  (196-F/G-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Flowers, Kataja	2.7
2. Smith, Kataja	2.5
3. Coleman, Lapua	2.2
4. Williams, Pyrinto	2.0
5. Gibson, LrNM.	1.9
6. Conley, LrNM.	1.8
7. Vuori, Kauhajoki	1.7
8. Holloway, Namika L.	1.7
9. Williams, KTP	1.7
10. Ford, Kauhajoki	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Sefton BARRETT
  KTP
  (196-SF-83)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Barrett, KTP	1.7
2. Ahvenniemi, Pyrinto	1.1
3. Ford, Kauhajoki	1.0
4. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	1.0
5. Williams, Pyrinto	1.0
6. Jones, LrNM.	1.0
7. McDade, Nilan B.	1.0
8. Nikkila, Pyrinto	0.9
9. Dyer, Korihait	0.9
10. Taft, Korihait	0.8

Standings - Division I

1st Standings

Division A
1. Porvoon Tarmo		12-3
2. ToPo		10-5
3. BC Nokia		9-5
4. Oulun NMKY		9-5
5. Tapiolan Honka		9-6
6. Huima		5-10
7. Pyrinto II		5-11
8. SayRi		4-10
9. Ura Basket		3-11
Division B
1. KaU Koris		12-5
2. Kerava ET		11-5
3. Jarvenpaa		10-6
4. TuNMKY		9-6
5. HBA-Marsky		7-7
6. BC Jyvaskyla		6-11
7. JyWe		5-10
8. Espoo Basket		3-13

Regular Season: Round 17

Jan. 11: Porvoon Tarmo - Huima 93-55
Jan. 11: ToPo - Pyrinto II 102-82
Jan. 13: Tapiolan Honka - Ura Basket

Jan. 12: JyWe - HBA-Marsky
Jan. 13: HBA-Marsky - Kerava ET
Jan. 13: JyWe - Espoo Basket
Jan. 13: TuNMKY - KaU Koris
Jan. 13: Jarvenpaa - BC Jyvaskyla

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Brian MOULTRIE
  BC Nokia
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 26.1

1. Moultrie, BC Nokia	26.1
2. Richardson, Ura B.	25.9
3. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.	22.8
4. Pederson, SayRi	22.6
5. Mays, Huima	22.1
6. Clark, Tapiolan Ho.	20.3
7. Tarjanne, Jarvenpaa	20.0
8. Tate, Porvoon	19.9
9. Salminen, TuNM.	19.6
10. Coleman, Oulun N.	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Michael CORPENING
  BC Jyvas.
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 14.8

1. Corpening, BC Jyva.	14.8
2. Moultrie, BC Nokia	14.6
3. Towa, Kerava ET	13.3
4. Syrjala, KaU Koris	12.0
5. Stephens, Huima	11.7
6. Capers, ToPo	11.5
7. Keskitalo, JyWe	11.4
8. Young, Porvoon	11.2
9. Salminen, TuNM.	11.1
10. Coleman, ToPo	10.8

Assists Per Game

Lauri JARVINEN
  KaU Koris
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Jarvinen, KaU Koris	5.5
2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.	4.8
3. Herrala, HBA-M.	4.3
4. Kyllonen, Porvoon	4.2
5. Ginty, ToPo	4.1
6. Viita, Jarvenpaa	3.9
7. Hanninen, Jarvenp.	3.9
8. Mays, Huima	3.9
9. Harjula, Pyrinto II	3.8
10. Russell, Oulun N.	3.8

Steals Per Game

La Trice LITTLE
  Kerava ET
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Little, Kerava ET	2.9
2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.	2.8
3. Michelsen, HBA-M.	2.3
4. Thomas, SayRi	2.3
5. Corpening, BC Jyva.	2.2
6. Herrala, HBA-M.	2.2
7. Viita, Jarvenpaa	2.1
8. Richardson, Ura B.	2.0
9. Capers, ToPo	2.0
10. Ginty, ToPo	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Harri KESKITALO
  JyWe
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Keskitalo, JyWe	2.6
2. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.	2.1
3. Woods, BC Nokia	2.0
4. Corpening, BC Jyva.	1.7
5. Mua, Kerava ET	1.6
6. Young, Porvoon	1.3
7. Capers, ToPo	1.3
8. Suotamo, Espoo B.	1.2
9. Nuolivirta, HBA-M.	1.2
10. Salminen, TuNM.	1.1

KORISLIIGA: KTP defeated Bisons - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, round 22: KTP (Kotka) defeated Bisons from Loimaa tonight 87-81 (49-42). Quarters: 20-19, 29-23, 13-19, 25-20. There were 11 lead changes and five ties during the game. FTs were one key for this kind of result. KTP (16-6) made 18/20 FTs (90%), Bisons (17-5) had 16 FTs out of them half/50% made (8/16). Bisons sharpshooters Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) and Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) had this time difficulties from behind the arc. Koivisto was 0/5 and Zeno 0/3. KTP won the rebounds 45-36, so Bisons was not playing the best game this season. Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech) (KTP) had a double-double 24/14. Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, college: Portland St.) led Bisons with 21 points.
KTP - Bisons 87-81 (49-42). (Devonne Giles 24/14, Antwine Williams 18, Michael Pounds 13 - Jeb Ivey 21, Martin Zeno 16, Ryan McDade 12/9. A: 1058).

In Division 1 A there were two contests. Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) won over Pyrinto II (Tampere) 102-82 (50-42). Marcus Capers (193-G-89, college: Washington St.) led ToPo with 22 pts. Elias Kajander (196-F-80) added 20 pts. Joni Harjula (189-G-83) scored 25 pts for Pyrinto.
Tarmo (Porvoo) crushed Huima (Aanekoski) 93-55 (40-31). Isaiah Tate (192-G-89, college: George Mason) led Tarmo with 23 pts. Jerrah Young (201-F-85, college: Toledo) had a double-double again (13pts/11rbs) and Vernon "Windmill" Taylor (190-G-87, college: Troy) added 13 pts. The fourth quarter was 40-10 for Tarmo.
ToPo - Pyrinto II 102-82 (50-42). (Marcus Capers 22/8, Elias Kajander 20, Devin Ginty 17/5a - Joni Harjula 25, Topias Palmi 16, Osku Heinonen 10/7).
Tarmo - Huima 93-55 (40-31). (Isaiah Tate 23/8, Jarkko Kyllonen 14/6a, Jarno Nissinen 14 - Andre Stephens 15/18, Markus Santa 12, DeAndre Mays 10).

*****************************************************

FRANCE

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Pau-Lacq-Orthez		14-4
2. Antibes		13-4
3. Evreux		13-5
4. Chalons-Reims		13-5
5. Le Portel		12-6
6. Boulogne		11-6
7. Fos Ouest		9-8
8. St Quentin		9-9
9. Rouen		9-9
10. Maurienne		9-9
11. Bourg		9-9
12. Nantes		7-11
13. Lille		7-11
14. St Vallier		7-11
15. Hyeres-Toulon		6-12
16. Denain		5-12
17. Charleville		5-13
18. Bordeaux		2-16

Regular Season: Round 18

Jan. 11: Chalons-Reims - St Quentin 93-87 OT
Jan. 11: Bordeaux - Nantes 85-89
Jan. 11: Rouen - St Vallier 84-83
Jan. 11: Charleville - Pau-Lacq-Orthez 79-85
Jan. 11: Maurienne - Le Portel 78-83 OT
Jan. 11: Lille - Bourg 75-64
Jan. 11: Hyeres-Toulon - Evreux 73-81
Jan. 12: Boulogne - Denain
Jan. 12: Fos Ouest - Antibes

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Wilbert BROWN
  Maurienne
  (200-PF-84)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Brown, Maurienne	22.6
2. Flowers, Denain	20.7
3. Blue, Antibes	20.5
4. Booker, St Vallier	19.1
5. Hilliard, Antibes	18.8
6. Wood, Evreux	18.2
7. Siggers, Lille	18.2
8. Sanders, Charlevil.	17.7
9. Bassett, Rouen	17.2
10. McKines, Rouen	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Erroyl BING
  Maurienne
  (198-C/F-82)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Bing, Maurienne	10.1
2. Wood, Evreux	10.1
3. Jaiteh, Boulogne	9.9
4. Lesieu, St Quentin	9.8
5. Kitts, Denain	9.5
6. McKines, Rouen	8.9
7. Jackson, Pau-La.	8.7
8. Rouse, St Vallier	8.5
9. Blue, Antibes	7.8
10. Mathis, Nantes	7.7

Assists Per Game

Errick CRAVEN
  St Vallier
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 7

1. Craven, St Vallier	7.0
2. Taylor, Le Portel	6.2
3. Rowland, Boulogne	6.1
4. Dumas, Bourg	5.8
5. McIntosh, Hyeres-.	5.4
6. Huffman, Antibes	5.3
7. Calvez, Charleville	5.1
8. Hannah, Evreux	4.9
9. Denave, Pau-Lacq.	4.8
10. Bassett, Rouen	4.8

Steals Per Game

Errick CRAVEN
  St Vallier
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Craven, St Vallier	2.6
2. Flowers, Denain	2.5
3. Calvez, Charleville	2.4
4. Hannah, Evreux	2.0
5. Siggers, Lille	1.9
6. Taylor, Le Portel	1.8
7. Dumas, Bourg	1.8
8. Wilson, Le Portel	1.8
9. Mullins, Chalons-.	1.8
10. Mathis, Nantes	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Moussa BADIANE
  Antibes
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Badiane, Antibes	2.3
2. Gay, Le Portel	1.7
3. Coleman, Bordeaux	1.2
4. Johnson, Chalons-.	1.1
5. Taccoen, Lille	1.1
6. Chism, Maurienne	1.0
7. Jaiteh, Boulogne	0.9
8. Burrell, Chalons-.	0.9
9. Blue, Antibes	0.9
10. Henry, Nantes	0.8

Namory Boundy could sign at Hyeres-Toulon - by Eurobasket News

Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (ProB) is about to tab 24-year old forward Namory Boundy (201-89) who currently played Etoile Charleville-Mezieres in NM1.
The previous (10-11) season Boundy played at Charleville-Mezieres. But in 24 NM1 games that season he averaged just 1.9ppg and 1.1rpg.
He won French NM1 Play-Offs championship title in 2012.
Boundy has played previously for another French team Chorale de Roanne.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************

FYR MACEDONIA

Bo McCalebb selected the top FYR Macedonian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from FYR Macedonians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Bo McCalebb

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Bo McCalebb (178-85, college: New Orleans, currently plays in Euroleague), who plays in Turkey. He could not help Fenerbahce Ulker (0-3) in their last game. Despite McCalebb's very good performance the seventh-placed Fenerbahce Ulker lost 92-98 on the road to the higher-ranked (#3) Montepaschi Siena in the group F of Euroleague. He was the second best scorer with 17 points. McCalebb also added 3 passes in 28 minutes on the court. So far Fenerbahce Ulker lost all three games in the Top 16. It's McCalebb's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 12.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 56.3%(49-87), 3FGP: 25.8% and FT: 82.1% in the 12 games he played so far. McCalebb is a naturalized American. He is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team. Strangely McCalebb has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Pero Antic

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Pero Antic (210-82, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Greece). He contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Panelefsiniakos (2-9) 94-76 in the Greek A1 last Sunday. Antic scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (11-0) is placed first in the A1. So far his team won all eleven games in the Regular Season. This season Antic averages: 6.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 55.6%(10-18), 3FGP: 28.0% and FT: 72.2%. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Bulgarian. Antic is in the roster of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Vojdan Stojanovski

#3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Vojdan Stojanovski (194-87, currently plays in Ukraine). He led BC Donetsk to a victory over the 11th-ranked DniproAzot (9-14) 77-61 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Friday night. Stojanovski was MVP of the game. He scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 22 minutes. BC Donetsk (13-11) is placed seventh in the Superleague. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Stojanovski has relatively solid stats: 10.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 40.8% and FT: 79.5% in the 17 games. He is also a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Marques Green

#4. Point guard Marques Green (167-82, college: St.Bonaventure, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA was not able to help Armani Milano (7-7) in their last game. Despite his good performance Armani Milano lost 76-84 on the opponent's court to the higher-ranked (#4) Cantu. Green scored 10 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 22 minutes. It was his first game for Armani Milano this season. Green is a naturalized American. He used to play for the FYR Macedonian national team back in 2010. Apparently Green has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Vlado Ilievski

#5. An experienced international point guard Vlado Ilievski (190-80, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Adriatic League) was not able to secure a victory for Cedevita (9-7) in their game against KK Split (7-9) in the Adriatic League. He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Cedevita was edged 75-72 at home by the lower-ranked KK Split (#9). Ilievski's overall stats this season are: 4.4ppg, 1.1rpg and 1.6apg. He is another player who holds two passports: FYR Macedonian and Slovenian. Ilievski plays currently for the FYR Macedonian national team.

Bojan Krstevski

   #6. Power forward Bojan Krstevski (205-89, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Greece) managed to help Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas in a victory against the closely-ranked Kolossos (4-7) 86-72 in the Greek A1 on Saturday night. Krstevski scored 5 points in 6 minutes. Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (3-8) is placed 12th in the A1. This year Krstevski's overall stats are: 4.5ppg and 2.8rpg in the 11 games. He is a former U20 international player as he played for the FYR Macedonian team four years ago.

The list of other players, who all have FYR Macedonian passport but never been selected to any of FYR Macedonian national teams:

   #1. Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin, currently plays in Eurocup) led his Russian team Unics Kazan to a victory against the fourth-ranked Galatasaray (0-1) 80-74 in the Eurocup in Wednesday night's game. Wilkinson recorded 14 points. Unics Kazan (1-0) is placed first in group L. Wilkinson has reliable stats this season: 15.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5apg and 1.5spg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Wilkinson has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #2. Experienced Jovan Zdravevski (197-F-80, currently plays in Iceland) led Stjarnan to a victory over the ninth-ranked Fjolnir (4-7) 95-87 in the Icelandic Dominos League in Friday night's game. He was the best player in that game. Zdravevski scored 21 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 27 minutes. Stjarnan (5-1) is placed second in the Dominos League. Zdravevski is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Stjarnan's roster. He has reliable stats this season: 10.6ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.9apg in the 10 games he played so far. Zdravevski has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Icelandic.

   #3. Darius Washington (188-PG-85, college: Memphis, currently plays in Israel) managed to help Hapoel Eilat to win against the seventh-ranked Ironi Ashkelon (5-7) 103-85 in the Israeli Winner League last Sunday. He scored only 2 points and added 3 passes. It was his first game for Hapoel Eilat this season. His team is placed second in the Winner League. Washington is a naturalized American. Interesting that he has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #4. Cedi Osman (195-SG-95, currently plays in Turkey), who plays in the Turkish TB2L (second division) could not help Pertevniyal (6-10) to beat Akhisar Bld (10-6). Osman recorded 5 points. Pertevniyal was defeated 73-68 on the road by the higher-ranked Akhisar Bld (#7). It was Pertevniyal's third consecutive loss in a row. Osman has reliable stats this season: 13.3ppg and 3.6rpg. He is another player who holds two passports: FYR Macedonian and Turkish.

*****************************************************

GEORGIA

Rustavi adds Wattad to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Energy Invest Rustavi (Superleague) added to their roster 25-year old American (has also Israeli passport) guard Omar Wattad (195-88). He just graduated from Chattanooga (NCAA). In 31 games last season he recorded 12.5ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.7apg.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as Wattads team won Big East Regular Season in 2008. He was also voted NABC Division I All-District 22 2nd Team in 2011 at his college time.
Of course it will be Wattads first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************

GERMANY

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Schwelm		12-1
2. Herten Lions		10-3
3. Rist Wedel		10-3
4. SU Medien		6-7
5. Oldenburg		6-7
6. Dorsten		6-7
7. Recklinghausen		6-7
8. BSW Sixers		5-8
9. Hannover		5-8
10. MTV Wolfenbuettel		4-9
11. Wulfen		4-9
12. Stahnsdorf		4-9
Group South
1. Dragons		12-1
2. Noerdlingen		9-5
3. Langen		8-5
4. Weissenhorn		8-5
5. Licher Baeren		7-6
6. Fraport SKY II		7-7
7. Bayer Giants		6-7
8. Hanau		6-7
9. Dresden		6-8
10. Leitershofen		6-8
11. Konstanz		3-10
12. TSV Troester		2-11

Regular Season: Round 14

North

Jan. 12: Oldenburg - Herten Lions
Jan. 12: Recklinghausen - Dorsten
Jan. 12: Rist Wedel - Stahnsdorf
Jan. 12: Hannover - BSW Sixers
Jan. 12: SU Medien - Wulfen
Jan. 12: Schwelm - MTV Wolfenbuettel

South

Jan. 11: Dresden - Leitershofen 88-106
Jan. 11: Noerdlingen - Fraport SKY II 66-58
Jan. 12: Hanau - Konstanz
Jan. 12: Bayer Giants - Langen
Jan. 13: Weissenhorn - TSV Troester
Jan. 13: Licher Baeren - Dragons

Nico Dilukila Leaves NBC - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team NBC announced today that Nicolau Dilukila (184-G-88) will no longer play for the team. Nicolau Dilukila is a 23 year old 184cm guard German-Angolian that was playing his first season in Nurnberg. "With the arrival of Ahmad Smith, there came a situation for Nico that wasnt easy. We cant give him the playing time that he may have wanted and needs for his age. He understood and came to us about the situation. He always gave everything in practice and was a professional and nice guy", stated Martin Ides. Nicolau Dilukila played 10 games avergaing 7,2ppg.

Source: NBC

Marquis Blakely Headed To The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After not passing his physical with the Telekom Baskets Bonn, Marqus Blakely (196-F-89, college: Vermont) didnt give up and seems to be staying in Germany. According to www.sportando.net, Marqus Blakely is headed to the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. New head coach John Patrick isnt wasting anytime making his new better. Blakely is a 196cm forward from Metuchen, New Jersey. He played at Vermont (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 129 NCAA games. In hiss enior year, he played 35 games: 17.3ppg, 9.3rpg, 3.7apg, 2.4spg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 6.7%, FT: 66.7%. In 2010-2011, he turned professional playing for the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), only pre-season, then moved to Bakersfield Jam (D-League): 25 games: 13.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 9.1%, FT: 60.9%; in Jan.'11 signed at Iowa Energy (D-League): 26 games: 16.8ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2spg, FGP-1 (69.8%), 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 65.1%, in Apr.'11 agreed terms with Houston Rockets (NBA), later that month joined Iowa Energy (D-League). Last season, he played for the Houston Rockets (NBA), in Dec.'11 moved to Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 14 games: 13.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 54.4%, in Feb.'12 signed at Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League, starting five): 21 games: 16.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3 (2.2spg), 1.1bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 58.3%, then agreed terms with B-Meg Llamados (Philippines-PBA, starting five): Governor's Cup: 22 games: 22.4ppg, Reb-1 (13.4rpg), 3.2apg, 2.7spg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 64.1%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been AEC Regular Season Champion -07AEC Tournament Finalist -07, NABC Division I All-District 1 2nd Team -08, All-AEC Defensive Player of the Year -08, 09, 10, All-AEC Player of the Year -08, 09, AEC All-Defensive Team -08, 09, 10, All-AEC 1st Team -08, 09, 10, AEC Tournament Semifinals -08, NABC Division I All-District 1 1st Team -09, 10, AEC Regular Season Co-Champion -09, AP NCAA All-America Honorable Mention -09, USBWA All-District I Team -10,AEC Regular Season Runner-Up -10, AEC Tournament Winner -10AEC All-Tournament MVP -10, AEC All-Tournament Team -10, USBasket.com All-D-League 2nd Team -11, D-League All-Star Game -12, Asia-Basket.com All-PBA Governor's Cup 1st Team -12, PBA Governor's Cup Regular Season Runner-Up -12, and PBA Governor's Cup Finalist -12

Deandre Washingtion (I Cant Quit, Because This Is What I Really Want To Do) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

DeAndre Washington (196-F/G-89, college: Washburn) is a 196cm forward from Powder Springs, Georgia. H eplayed at Valdosta State (NCAA2) and then finished his college career at Washburn. He recently played for the Atlanta Blaze (NCAA2) and took some time to talk to eurovasket about basketball.

Thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You played this year in the ABA, but have aspirations of coming overseas. Has the strong play of your ex teammate Logan Stutz made you hungry to come play in Europe?

Ive been hungry to play in Europe since my last game at Washburn. Logan always tells me "man you would do really good out here". Im proud to see he is doing very well in Germany and its motivation for me to possibly do as well in Germany in the future.

You finished at Wasburn in 2011 and this is your second professional season. Your first experience was playing at the Court Side Eurochallenge Camp in Las Vegas (Sharks team) in 2011. The market in general seems to always be very competitive. How have you experienced it since turning professional? Is it a bit discouraging that its so tough landing a job?

It is VERY discouraging that its so tough landing a job. The market is so small with each team having thousands of options to choose from. Many players have stopped playing and began working regular jobs due to how tough the market is. I cant quit , this is what I really want to do.

Your ex teammate Logan Stutz has been tearing up the PRO A in Germany for Essen. What do you know about basketball in Germany and how much would you like to play in Germany?

I know Germany is a beautiful country to play in Andre very competitive. The German leagues are no push over. I would love to play in such a competitve and historic place like Germany

You started your college career at Valdosta State (NCAA2). Why did you transfer to Washburn (NCAA2)?

I transfered to Washburn because I would be able to showcase all of my abilities. Coach Chipman allowed me to play basketball without over controlling me and he allowed me to lead our team.

At Washburn you played the positions 3-5, but also played some point guard due to injuries. What is your biggest strength as a player?

My biggest strength as a player is my ability to score and pass the ball. At Washburn I had a few games of 10+ in assists. Driving to the basket then dropping Logan off with a nice pass. I can play the 1-4 positions which makes me unique.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesnt get noticed right away on the court?

A hidden strength in my game is my basketball IQ. Many many players dont think the game out. Having basketball IQ is a must when stepping on the court.

You played together with Logan Stutz. What is your fondest memory of him on and off the court?

My fondest memory of Logan off the court is him owning this small Yorkie dog. Every time I saw Logan walking the dog it would make me laugh because he is 6'8 and the dog was so small. Plus the little dog hated me. My fondest memory on the court with Logan was the run we made to the championship as the last placed team in the MIAA tournament our first year together.

Who was the toughest player that you had to defend in college that might be in the NBA or Europe now?

Bernard James was a tough matchup for me because he was 6'10 and real strong in the post.

What was the most important thing that you could learn from Bob Chipman that has made you better as a player?

One thing I learned from Coach Chipman was how to lead a team.

What kind of experience was it playing in the ABA for the Atlanta Blaze (WBA)? How were you able to develop your game this year playing there?

Playing in the ABA was fun and game like . The talent level as up and down. some games it was compeititve and other it was a easy win. I hurt my ankle so my ABA run ended a little earlier this summer. My team the Atlanta Blaze had a lot of talent from all over Georgia.

If you could describe yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team now, how would you describe yourself?

I feel I can help any team right now because I will help make the current players they have better. I will also help in the scoring/rebound/ and assists category. I will help a team win more than anything.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I saw was Bourne Identity 2 . Pretty good movie

Thanks for the chat Deandre.

Kevin Kruger Heads To The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven have added experience to their team by adding Kevin Kruger (186-PG-83, college: UNLV). Kruger is a 29 year old 186cm guard from Marieta, Georgia. He is a A classic PG, who has great leadership and charisma, he's a coach on the floor. Also, he shoots the ball really well, and you can not leave him open. Last season he played together with NBA player Chris Copeland of the New York KNicks for Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-D1): EuroChallenge: 11 games: 11.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 81.0%; Belgian League: 29 games: 10.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 32.1%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT-2 (89.4%). Recently he played in the D-league for the : Los Angeles D-Fenders playing nine games and avergaing 3,2ppg and 1,2apg. He started his basketball career in 2002 for Arizona St. (NCAA). He then moved to UNLV (NCAA) in 2006 playing 31 games: 13.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 83.5%. In 2007-2008, he started his professional basketball career for Utah Flash (D-League, starting five): 49 games: 13.3ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-2 (7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT-3 (88.5%). In 2008-2009 he played for the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), left in Oct.'08, in Nov.'08 moved to PBC Lukoil Akademik Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL): Bulgarian League: 2 games: 12.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 7.5apg, 2.0spg; Eurocup: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.0apg, 2.5spg, left team in Dec.'08, in Feb.'09 signed at Utah Flash (D-League, starting five): 24 games: 13.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT-1 (51.4%), FT: 82.9%. In 2009-2010, he played for Martos Napoli (Italy-SerieA): 5 games: 4.2ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg: released in Oct.'09, in Feb.'10 moved to Utah Flash (D-League, starting five): 22 games: 15.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT-3 (91.8%). In 2010-2011 he played for Soles de Mexicali (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 2 games: 17.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, 2.5spg, parted ways in Nov.'10, then moved to Utah Flash (D-League): 38 games: 13.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 82.0%; training camp , then signed at Utah Flash (D-League). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been HS a two-time all-county pick -01,02
HS two-time all-city pick -01,02, HS Won the Three-Point Shootout at the Florida-Georgia All-Star Game -03, Pac-10 All-Freshman Honorable Mention -04
MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, MWC Tournament Winner -07, MWC Tournament MVP -07, MWC All-Tournament Team -07, All-MWC 3rd Team -07
NCAA Sweet 16 -07, D-League Finalist -09, D-League West Division Champion -09, and Belgian Cup Winner -12 (MVP)

The s.OLiver Baskets Wurzburg Add Guard Osiris Eldridge - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Beko BBL club s.OLiver Baskets Wurzburg have injury woes at the guard position with injuries to Ben Jacobson, John Little and Courtney Pigram and had to react and have hauled in Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, college: Illinois St.) to help pep up the guard play. Eldridge is a 24 year old 191 cm guard from Chicago that gets a two week try-out contract. This is his third professional season. This season he played for Boulazac Basket Dordogne (France-ProA) playing 14 games and averaging 11,0ppg, 3,7rpg and 1,6apg. Last season he played for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA, starting five), only pre-season, then moved to Bakersfield Jam (D-League): 42 games: 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 75.3%, left in Mar. '12. He isn't just a point guard. We are still looking for a point guard. He is athletic and a good defender. We hope that he can compensate the loss of John Little, but it will be hard to integrate him before the game against Ludwigsburg", stressed Wurzburg head coach Marcel Schroder. He played at Illinois St. (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 133 NCAA games. As a senior he played 33 games: 15.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 79.7%. In 2010-2011, he started his professional basketball career for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL, starting five): EuroChallenge: 15 games: 12.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 82.4%; Turkish League: 27 games: 9.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 66.0%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been IHSA Class AA Slam Dunk Champion -05, HS first-team all-city -06, Second-team all-state selection by Illinois Hoops -06, MVC Freshman of the Year -07, All-MVC 1st Team -08, 09, 10MVC All-Tournament MVP -09, MVC All-Defensive Team -09, 10, MVC Tournament Semifinals -10, NABC Division I All-District 16 1st Team -10, and EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -11

Source: s.OLiver Baskets Wurzburg

FC Bayern Munich Name Marco Pesic New Manager Of The Basketball Department - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

FC Bayern Munich announced today that Marko Pesic has been named new manager/director of the basketball department. Pesic who had a long career as a basketball player became an agent after his playing days and last season came to FC Bayern Munich and got the job position sport director. Now the duties of Pesic will be to have the organization of the club. He takes over for Thomas Ohler who left the team last December. Volker Stix was named as associate director.

Source: FC Bayern MUnich

Will Kelly Beidler go 2/2 From The Plate When He Faces Off Against The Fraport Skyliners January 12th? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Three months ago as the Beko BBL season was only two weeks old, 2004 Fiba cup winner Mitteldeutscher BC that was back in the top German league after playing in the PRO A one year after having played in the league from 2009-2011 and arrived in Frankfurt sporting a 0-2 record and in dire need of getting a win. It was an overall very exciting game, but it was MBC that kept the nerves in the fourth quarter winning 71-68 winning a big game on the road mainly due to American Kelly Beidler (199-F-88, college: Mt.St.Mary's) who had his first double double of the season registering 17 points and hauling down 10 rebounds. The 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach was a solid scorer at St Marys (NCAA), but never averaged more than 10,9ppg in his NCAA career, but then came to Europe and in his first two professional seasons averaged 21,7ppg in Iceland and 19,2ppg in Finland. Granted the leagues arent as tough as the Beko BBL, but the American got self confidence and experience in the scoring department there, but in the win against Frankfurt it wasnt only his killer instinct around the rim in crunchtime, but also his stellar defense that got MBC the win at the end. Frankfurt had the ball with 13 seconds and the chance to bring the game into OT or win it with a three pointer. Beidler who had been big on the glass proved to also be big as he blocked Peacock on the last shot giving MBC their first win of the year. The man of Peacocok got beat so I came over to help my teammates. I thought better to try and block and risk the foul and giving up free throws then letting him score. I always have liked to be aggressive. I have been blocking shots all through my career even though it doesnt get noticed as much. People look at points and rebounds. Blocking shots is a strong point in my game, warned Kelly Beidler. Beidler is the central force in our defense. His long arms make a difference on defense and rebounding. That block was huge for us, said Sharaud Curry. So far this season, Beidler is averaging 9,0ppg, 4,3rpg and is shooting a very respectable 56,1% from the field and 43,8% from downtown. He has scored in double figures in nine of 16 games. His defense keeps being a spark for MBC as was the case in a 76-70 win against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig as he swatted away three balls showing his keenness around the rim. It is no secret about his dominating play on the boards, but just hard work. Just being active and never quitting on the play. I always want to make something happen on the glass. I always try to act on the bounce off the rim. I use my athletic ability to my advantage from the three position, warned Kelly Beidler. Zach Peacock is the go to guy for the Fraport Skyliners and might be on the defending menu for Beidler on Saturday as the team likes to get him going early. Beidler enjoys the role of keeping the others team top player in check. I have to be active and bring energy. I also focus on defense and try to make the big defensive plays get steals that lead to easy baskets. I also am there to defend the best players and make them work for their points. My offense will come from that, warned Kelly Beidler. Despite the Fraport Skyliners wanting revenge in Weissenfels, Kelly Beidler will also be motivated to repeat his strong game in Frankfurt and he keeps a very important quote in his mind when stepping onto the court before every game never getting intimidated by the name or game of a player. every player is equal when stepping onto the court but when the lights turn on and its time to play ball, the best separate themselves from the pack. Thats what I try to do every time i step on the court, warned Kelly Beidler.

This season, Silvano Poropat chose to say farewell to a core of last seasons players with Arizona Reid, Robert Faye-Holcomb, Louis Hinnat and ex North Carolina state forward Jordan Collins. He opted to keep many of the German players with the heart and soul of the team captain Sascha Leutloff, Steve Wachalski, Philipp Heyden, Malte Schwarz and Johannes Lange. He also decided to keep Iceland scorer Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson. This season, he has brought a core of talented less known Americans. Kelly Beidler tore up the league in Iceland and Finland and now is looking to make the next jump in the higher league Beko BBL. Sharaud Curry is a diminutive point guard that tore up the Austrian league last season and also is looking to make an impact in the higher league Beko BBL. Chad Timberlake brings experience to the guard position and is playing in his fifth country in Europe. Devin Uskoski is a sort of Cinderella story as it took him four years to move from the German Regionaliga to the Beko BBL. Poropat also brought in help for the boards with Serb Djordje Pantelic. With only 1,4 million Euro budget, the club has little chance of picking up high class players. Despite little money and less talented players, the team will not go scared into the season. We know that we have one of the smallest budgets in the league, but we will take up the challenge and will go with a lot of self confidence into the season. We dont want to make the mistake that small teams do and get into debt. For us it isnt so critical if we play BBL or PRO A, stressed MBC manager Martin Geisler. A strength that the team has is their unpredictability. They had many different top scorers in the pre season and the scoring was always well balanced. The team will have nothing lose and fight in every game as if its their last game. Weaknesses in the team is under the basket where the team is thinly stacked. The team also coughed up the ball much in the preseason. We are still making too many mistakes on offense and have problems finding our rhythm. We still have to work much on ending the play, warned MBC head coach Silvano Poropat.

In the short two year tenure that the Mitteldeutscher BC had from 2009-2011, the Frankfurt Skyliners were able to leave the floor each time as the winner and have a positive 4-0 record in that time. In the 2009-2010 season who could forget the exciting 76-74 win in MBC as Frankfurt was down 10 points and made a big comeback in the last minutes as American guard Aubrey Reese won the game with a shot. Frankfurt won the game at home 77-65 as American Jimmy Mckinney led Frankfurt with 17 points, Derrick Allen added 12 points and Skyliner legend Pascal Roller 11 points. In the 2010-2011 season, the Deutsche Bank Skyliners had an easier time winning as they routed the Wolves 83-52 at home as Dashaun Wood had a type of Derrick Rose performance with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Dominik Bahiense De Mello added 13 points and KImmo Muurinen 11 points. Frankfurt won in Weissenfels 70-58 as Dashaun Wood poured in 26 points and Quantez Robertson steered 11 points.

Currently the Mitteldeutscher BC is resting in 13th place with a record of 7-10. They started the season slow losing six of their first seven games as their only bright spot was the big 71-68 win in Frankfurt where they showed a lot of grit winning in crunch time and keeping their nerves in control. They showed a very spirited game losing a heartbreaker to FC Bayern Munich 73-71 at home as the game could of gone either way at the end. They then won their second game of the season 76-70 in Braunschweig. Then followed two loses to Alba Berlin and against BBC Bayreuth. Since then they have been playing better basketball winning five of their last seven games including busting out a three game winning streak. In this winning streak, they defeated the Eisaberen Bremerhaven on the road and showed their forceful play at home beating Ludwigsburg and the always tough Artland Dragons. They also beat the LTi Giessen 46ers at home, but lost in Oldenburg and Trier. They only have a 4-4 record at home, but have won their last four in a row in the comfortable wolf den in Weissenfels including a big win against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg last weekend. The team still gives us more points then what head coach Silvano Poropat would desire, but the team is always good for a surprise. A very important quality of MBC this season is their attitude when going into games which has been transported from Silvano Poropat to the team. coach has told us that players from strong teams are just like us. They do the same thing that we do. What he means by this is that we have to go into each game believing that we can win. I think that we can upset good teams, because we can play as a team for 40 minutes, warned Kelly Beidler. For the Fraport Skyliners, it will be another do or die game to get themselves away from the lower standings. They have won two of their last three games and their defense is back to where it is supposed to be having averaged giving up only 63 points in the last three games. Defense is always the key. If we can control the boards and tempo then we always have a good chance to win, warned Ted Scott. MBC recently picked up sharp shooter Osvaldo Jeanty who has had Beko BBL expereicne with Nordlingen, Giessen and Bayreuth and will spark the team on offense.

The Mitteldeutscher BC is led by Steve Wachalski who is leading the team in scoring after two games. It took the German seven years to reach the Beko BBL in 2010 with BBC Bayreuth. He played his first five seasons starting in 2003 in the Regionaliga with Osnabrueck before reaching the PRO B in 2008. In 2010-2011, he got Beko BBL experience with BBC Bayreuth playing 27 games: 3.3ppg, 1.8rpg. Last season for MBC, he played 37 games: 9.9ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 77.1%. Kelly Beidler is a 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is starting his third professional basketball season and third in Europe. He is a very athletic forward that can do it all with rebounding, posting up, shooting from outside as firstmost is a team playerHe played at Mt St Marys from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1%. In 2001 as a rookie he played for : IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4 (21.7ppg), Reb-2 (12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5 (2.5spg), Blocks-3 (2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. Last season he played for : Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4 (19.2ppg), Reb-5 (9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1 (2.3spg), Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%. Milan Brown his coach at Mt St Marys has helped shape him to be the player that he is today.
Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Iceland. He started his basketball career in 2003 for Fjolnir (Intersport League) and played most of his career in Iceland except for a stint with CB Dunas Hotels Gran Canaria Las Palmas (Spain-EBA) in 2007. He played for Top Iceland team and ex Skyliner Derrick Allen team Keflavik (Iceland-Express) from 2008-2011. In his three seasons there, he never averaged less than 16,5ppg. Last season he played for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-ProA): 37 games: 9.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 77.6%. Chad Timberlake is a 28 year old 193cm guard that was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He is a very talented point guard with good physical size (64,208 lbs.) and toughness, he can play the shooting guard position, if that is what is needed for the team. Chad is the floor general with excellent court vision and he is a natural team leader. He can play fast break style or he can run an offense with set plays, whatever is essential to win. He is an extremely athletic guard and gets to the basket, always finishing ha rd. He has the skills to take over games with his scoring and jumping ability. He played at Fairleigh Dickinson (NCAA) from 2002-2006. In 2006-2007 as a rookie he played for Mlekarna Kunin Novi Jicin (Czech Republic-NBL, starting five): EuroCup Challenge: 8 games: 16.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 61.3%, 3FGP: 21.1%, FT: 61.1%; Czechs League: 46 games: 15.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 2FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 60.6%. In 2007-2008, he played in the States for the Albany Patroons (CBA, starting Five): 36 games: 15.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 73.1.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Sokol Znicz Jaroslaw (Poland-PLK, starting five): 11 games: 14.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 52.0%. In 2009-2010, he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division): 18 games: 5.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 56.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for Elitzur Yavne (Israel-National League, starting five): 31 games: 20.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 73.2%. Last season he played for Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 36 games: Score-3 (21.3ppg), 5.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP-3 (67.4%), 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 71.1%. He won the cup and league title in Hungry in 2010.

Devin Uskoski is a 26 year old 201 cm forward from Brush Praire who can rebound with the best of them and reacts very smart under the boards. He played at Rocky Mountain (NAIA) and turned professional in 2009. In 2009-2010, he was a rookie for BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga)): 26 games: 25.9ppg, 11.0rpg, FGP: 70.3%, 3Pts: 48.6%, FT: 73.5%. In 2010-2011, he moved up a league with BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany): 31 games: Score-4 (20.7ppg), Reb-1 (10.8rpg), 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 73.4%. Last season, he was one of the top forwards in the PRO A for VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA): 36 games: 16.1ppg, Reb-3 (8.1rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 83.4%. This past summer, he played for the Vancouver Volcanoes (IBL, starting five): 12 games: 17.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 57.6%, FT: 74.6%. Djordje Pantelic is a 28 year old 204cm forward form Serbia that gives MBC added experience as Germany will be his sixth country in Europe. He got early experience playing in Cyprus. In 2009-2010, he played for BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A, starting five): Romanian League: 14 games: 6.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 71.4%; Balkan League: 5 games: 7.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 71.4%, released in Dec.09, in Feb.10 moved to Stjarnan (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 11 games: 14.1ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.7apg, 2.9bpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for Apollon Patras (Greece-A2): 30 games: 11.0ppg, Reb-2 (8.9rpg), 1.4apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 72.4%. Last season, he played for Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 38 games: 13.0ppg, Reb-4 (9.0rpg), 1.9apg, 1.7spg, Blocks-2 (1.6bpg), FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 69.9%. Sascha Leutloff is a 30 year old 202cm forward from Berlin. He continues to have his heart with MBC as the captain is returning for a sixth season. He started to play organized basketball at age 16 and developed rapidly into a promising player. He has very good speed and athletic potential, is a very good and aggressive defender, can play inside out, is an exceptional offensive rebounder, has a very good character and is a smart person on and off the court. He started his basketball career with TUS Lichterfelde in 2001 and also played with Alba Berlin from 2004-2006. Last season for MBC, he played 37 games: 9.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 74.1%. He won the Beko BBL cup in 2006 with Alba Berlin. Malte Schwarz is a 23 year old 188cm guard that is palying hiss econd season in Weissenfels. He started his basketball career in 2006 with Bramfelder SV Hamburg (2.Regionalliga). He then played a season with SC Rist Wedel (Regionalliga) before getting his feet wet in the Beko BBL playing for Phoenix Hagen from 2008-2011. He played a total of 58 Beko BBL games. Last season for MBC, he played 25 games: 6.8ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 88.0%. Johannes Lange is a 27 year old 208cm center that took nine years of playing in the German minor leagues before finally getting his chance this season in the Beko BBL with MBC. He started his basketball career with Rhondorf 1912 Dragons (2.Bundesliga) in 2003 where he played until 2010. In 2010-2011, he played for GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA): 22 games: 3.9ppg, 2.1rpg. Last season, he played for BG Karlsruhe (ProA): 6 games: 3.2ppg, 1.0rpg; left in Nov.11, then moved to Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (ProA): 21 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg

Gotha: Schoenau named assistant coach - by Moritz Korff

Ronny Schoenau has been named an assistant coach at 2. Bundesliga Pro A side Gotha Rockets. Thus, the 33-year-old returns to the club, where he once started his coaching career. Schoenau worked as an assistant for the Rockets until 2008 and then joined the Dresden Titans. After two years as a head coach he left the Titans in 2009 and accepted an offer from Bremerhaven. There he served as a youth coach for three years.

Former BBL player Zoran Krezic drops coaching momentarily, focuses on playing - by Moritz Korff

BG Halstenbek/Pinneberg has been struggling throughout its first season in the 1. Regionalliga. The newcomer has solely won a single game so far this season and is battling to avoid a last-place finish, which would relegate the team to the 2. Regionalliga. Player/head coach Zoran Krezic (190-G-79), who appeared in 19 BBL games for Wuerzburg in the 2001-2002 season, has been busy handling both jobs, coaching his team and running the point during the games. Therefore the 33-year-old decided to focus on playing in the remainder of the season, according to abendblatt.de. He is currently averaging 3.8 points, 1.9 assists, 1.5 rebounds and 1 steal per contest (8 games played this season) and thinks to better help his team as a player then as a coach in the current situation. Coaching duties will be handled by Mario Protuder, who just like Krezic originally hails from Banja Luka, Bosnia, and has been living in Germany since the early 90s.

Veteran Emeka Erege returns to basketball, joins TV Langen - by Moritz Korff

According to the 2. Bundesliga website Pro B team TV Langen strengthened its roster by adding Emeka Erege (193-G-78, college: Davidson). The 34-year-old veteran played for Ulm from 2003 to 2009 and helped the team moving up to the BBL. In 2009 he transferred to BBC Bayreuth and captured another 2. Bundesliga championship with the BBC team. The German, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, attended NCAA Division 1 school Davidson from 1997 to 2002 and coming out of college spent a single season in France, shooting hoops for Bourg en Bresse.

Andreas Wenzl says goodbye to basketball - by Moritz Korff

19-year-old center prospect Andreas Wenzl (210-C-93) has finished his basketball career, effective immediately. "I have lost the fire for basketball", Wenzl said in an article on the ratiopharm Ulm website. In these past months his career was considerably slowed down by a knee injury, which sidelined him until December. Following his comeback, he felt that it wasn't the same as before. Wenzl didn't play a single game in this current season, last year he saw action in eleven Pro B contests for Weissenhorn (2.3ppg, 2.6rpg) and averaged a double-double (24.4ppg, 10.4rpg) for Ulm's NBBL team in the U19 Bundesliga. He attended the NBBL all-star game twice, in 2011 and 2012.

Yannick Crowder to bolster Heidelberg frontcourt - by Moritz Korff

Yannick Crowder (206-F-90, college: Florida A&M) has joined the USC Heidelberg Academics, local newspaper Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung tells.
Crowder is a 22-year-old forward/center from Stone Mountain, Georgia. The Academics will be his first stop in European basketball. From 2008 to 2012 he attended Florida A&M University (NCAA Division 1). He appeared in 30 games throughout the 2011-12 campaign, averaging pretty solid stats: 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per contest. His job will be to replace Taylor Rohde (205-F/C-90, college: Alaska-Anch.) who left Heidelberg for Ehingen recently. While Rohde had 7.7 points and 3.4 boards a game for the Academics, he scored 18 points and pulled down seven rebounds in his debut for the Ehingen Steeples.

Nuernberger Basketball Club inks Dario Hunt - by Eurobasket News

Nuernberger Basketball Club (ProA) agreed terms with 24-year old American forward Dario Hunt (203-104kg-89, college: Nevada). He was recently released from BC Odessa. The centre notched 6.1 points and 4.5 boards per game in Ukrainian Superleague this season. The last season he played at The University of Nevada in Mountain West Conference in the NCAA. In 32 games last year he had 10.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.5apg and 2.4bpg. He contributed to his team winning the regular season and make it to the semifinals. Quite impressive season as he was named to All-WAC 2nd Team and WAC All-Defensive Team.
He attended University of Nevada until 2012 and it will be his first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

EuroLeague: Anadolu Efes hold off ALBA - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes - ALBA 71:62

Anadolu Efes clinched the second win in EuroLeague Top 16. Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) and Dusko Savanovic (204-PF-83, agency: Beo Basket) produced 15 points each to pace the winners. ALBA kept the intrigue alive throughout the entire 40 minutes but Anadolu Efes survived the challenge to claim the win.
ALBA set the tone early in the encounter. The German team gained the lead and rattled off a 19:16 advantage after ten minutes. Anadolu Efes adjusted defensively in the second frame. The Turkish team held the Berliners to 11 points and eked out a 35:30 halftime lead. Anadolu Efes kept ALBA at distance throughout the third term. The hosts piled up a 52:44 advantage heading into the fourth frame. ALBA narrowed the gap at 4-point mark midway through the final term 54:58. However Dusko Dusko Savanovic answered with a triple and then followed with two free throws to make it 63:54 lead. Dashaun Wood and Deon Thomspon dragged the visitors within three points 62:65 with 58 seconds remaining. Jamon Lukas Gordon then sank four points in a row and sealed the win for the hosts. Kerem Tunceri (191-PG-79) nailed 11 points for Anadolu Efes. Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) answered with 15 points and 11 boards for ALBA. Je'Kel Foster (191-G-83, college: Ohio St.) chipped in 11 points in defeat.

Anadolu Efes: Jordan Farmar 15, Dusko Savanovic 15, Kerem Tunceri 11
ALBA: Deon Thompson 15+11 boards, Je'Kel Foster 11

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GREECE

EuroLeague: Barcelona topple Olympiacos - by Eurobasket News

Barcelona - Olympiacos 76:68

Barcelona secured the second win in EuroLeague Top 16 round. They held off visiting Olympiacos for 2-1 record in Group F. The Reds fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) paced the hosts with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Barcelona grabbed the lead early on. They held Olympiacos at 13 points in the first term to accumulate a 5-point lead. The Catalan team gained a 41:32 halftime lead. Olympiacos managed to slow their opponents down in the third term. The Greek side got within 8 points heading into the fourth stanza. However Ante Tomic helped the hosts to an 11-point lead at 68:57 and Barcelona never looked back en route to the victory afterwards. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) delivered 12 points, while Victor Sada (192-G-84), Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) and Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-PG-76, college: Maryland) had 10 points each in the win. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) responded with 14 points for the visitors. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 9 points apiece for Olympiacos.

Barcelona: Ante Tomic 15+12 boards, Pete Mickeal 12, Victor Sada 10, Marcelinho Huertas 10, Sarunas Jasikevicius 10
Olympiacos: Georgios Printezis 14, Pero Antic 9, Vassilis Spanoulis 9

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Den Bosch		16-3
2. Leiden		14-4
3. Groningen		11-6
4. M.Magixx		11-7
5. Leeuwarden		10-8
6. Den Helder K.		10-8
7. Zwolle		9-10
8. Weert		6-12
9. Amsterdam		2-16
10. Rotterdam		1-16

Regular Season: Round 17

Jan. 10: Den Bosch - Zwolle 90-62
Jan. 12: Leiden - Amsterdam
Jan. 12: Den Helder K. - M.Magixx
Jan. 12: Weert - Den Bosch
Jan. 13: Leeuwarden - Rotterdam
Jan. 13: Zwolle - Groningen

Henk Norel selected the top Dutch playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Dutchs who are currently playing abroad.

Henk Norel

#1. This week's number one is an international center Henk Norel (214-87, currently plays in Spain). He contributed to a CAI Zaragoza's victory against the 16th-ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (4-12) 79-74 in the Spanish ACB in Saturday night's game. Norel recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 28 minutes on the court. CAI Zaragoza (10-6) is placed fifth in the ACB. It's Norel's first season with the team. Norel is currently seventh on the list of best rebounders with 6.2rpg. He also averaged so far 12.2ppg, 2FGP: 60.4%(87-144) and FT: 51.2% in the 16 games he played so far. Norel is currently a member of the Dutch senior national team.

Kevin van Wijk

#2. Second place goes to former U16 international forward Kevin van Wijk (203-89, currently plays college basketball in the States). He led Valparaiso to a victory against the University of Illinois-Chicago (1-2) 75-70 in the NCAA in Wednesday night's game. van Wijk scored 16 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). The Valparaiso University has 2-1 conference record this season. van Wijk has relatively good stats this year: 13.2ppg, 1.3apg, 3FGP: 40.3% and FT: 91.7%(22-24). He played for the Dutch U16 national team in 2005.

Kadeem Pantophlet

#3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was former U20 international forward Kadeem Pantophlet (201-90, currently studies in the States), who plays in the NCAA. Pantophlet could not help the Duquesne (0-1) in their last game. Despite his good performance the Duquesne lost 75-82 on the road to the Fordham University. Pantophlet scored 13 points, had 6 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 36 minutes. This year Pantophlet has relatively solid stats: 13.2ppg, 1.3apg, 3FGP: 40.3% and FT: 91.7%(22-24) in the 16 games. He played for the Dutch U20 national team four years ago.

Thomas van der Mars

#4. Center Thomas van der Mars (208-90, is currently at the American university) was not able to help the Portland (0-2) in their game against the University of San Diego (2-0) in the NCAA. Despite his good performance on Thursday night van der Mars scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. van der Mars has reliable stats this season: 13.2ppg and 1.3apg. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team back in 2010.

Roeland Schaftenaar

#5. Former international power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain) was not able to secure a victory for Leche Rio Breogan (7-6) in their game against CB Clavijo (6-7) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division), despite his good performance in Friday night's game. Schaftenaar recorded 10 points in 16 minutes. But Leche Rio Breogan lost 69-77 in Logrono to the lower-ranked (#7) CB Clavijo. This year Schaftenaar's overall stats are: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 12 games. He used to play for the Dutch national team three years ago.

Jito Kok

#6. Center Jito Kok (206-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) faced previously mentioned Thomas van der Mars in the NCAA last game. Kok managed to help University of San Diego in a victory against the University of Portland (0-2) 61-50. He scored only 4 points and blocked 3 shots in 12 minutes. This year Kok's total stats are: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 12 games. He is U18 international player who is currently on the Dutch National Team roster.

Olaf Schaftenaar

#7. Former U18 international center Olaf Schaftenaar (206-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Oregon St. (0-2) in their game against the Arizona State University (3-0) in the NCAA. Schaftenaar recorded 8 points. The Oregon St. was defeated 72-62 at home by the Arizona State University. This season Schaftenaar averages: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg. He used to play for the Dutch U18 national team two years ago.

Charlon Kloof

#8. Point guard Charlon Kloof (190-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the St.Bonaventure (0-1) in their game against the Colorado State University (0-0) in the NCAA, despite his good performance last Saturday. Kloof scored 10 points in 29 minutes. But the St.Bonaventure was crushed 85-64 in Fort Collins, CO by the Colorado State University. Kloof has averaged so far 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 12 games. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team back in 2010.

Shane Hammink

   #9. U18 international forward Shane Hammink (201-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped LSU win their game against the Bethune-Cookman College (0-1) 79-63 in the NCAA on Saturday night. Hammink scored only 2 points in 16 minutes. The Louisiana State University has 0-1 conference record this season. This year Hammink averages just 2.6ppg in the eight games. He is a naturalized American. Hammink is also in the roster of the Dutch U18 national team. Strangely he has never played in Holland.

The list of other players, who all have Dutch passport but never been selected to any of Dutch national teams:

   #1. Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB could not help UCAM Murcia (24-6) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his good performance his team was defeated 80-68 on the road by the much lower-ranked CB Canarias (#12). Tillie recorded 12 points (made all of his six free throws). This season Tillie averages: 7.8ppg and 3.9rpg. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and French.

   #2. Experienced Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, college: Binghamton, currently plays in United Kingdom) was not able to help Worcester Wolves (9-8) in their game against Leicester Riders (14-2) in the British BBL, despite his very good performance on Saturday night. Ocitti scored 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 37 minutes. But Worcester Wolves lost 82-89 in Leicester to the leading Riders. Ocitti is currently fifth on the list of best rebounders with 9.1rpg. This year his other stats are: 13.2ppg and 1.3apg in the 16 games he played so far. Ocitti is a naturalized American.

   #3. Joey van Zegeren McAdam (208-F-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) was not able to secure a victory for the Virginia Tech (0-2) in their game against the University of Maryland (1-1) in the NCAA. Despite his good performance last Saturday van Zegeren McAdam scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. This season van Zegeren McAdam averages: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg.

   #4. Josh Duinker (210-F/C-89, college: Richmond, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a Caceres Basket's surprising victory against the third-ranked Meridiano Alicante (8-5) 65-64 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Duinker recorded 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Caceres Basket (6-8) is placed 11th in the LEB Gold. Duinker has averaged so far 8.2ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.2apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Australian and Dutch.

   #5. Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Josh Duinker and both played together in the last Spanish LEB Gold game. Van Oostrum helped Caceres Basket edge the third-ranked Meridiano Alicante (8-5) 65-64. He recorded 6 points in 19 minutes. Van Oostrum has averaged so far 9.2ppg, 2.5rpg and 2.3apg in the 14 games. He has both Dutch and British nationalities.

   #6. Jonah Callenbach (194-F/G-93, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Fontedoso Carrefour in their game against Lan Mobel ISB in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division). Callenbach scored only 4 points and added 3 passes. His team was defeated 84-73. This season Callenbach averages just 2.6ppg. He also holds two passports: Portuguese and Dutch.

   #7. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA, currently plays in Ukraine) led Dnipro to a victory over the closely-ranked Kryvbasbasket crushing them 91-70 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Friday night's game. Kickert was MVP of the game. He scored 16 points, had 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Kickert has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 16.8ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.5apg. Kickert has dual citizenship: Australian and Dutch.

*****************************************************

INDONESIA

IRELAND

Cup Semi Finals tonight at The Neptune Stadium - by Patrick Maher

It,s Cup Time at Neptune tonight at least it,s Semi Final time with Neptune pitted in the earlier game at 1900 against local Cork City arch rivals Blue Demons and U.L. Eagles of Limerick matched up in the second semi with UCD Marian (Dublin) tip off at 21.00.The current super league standings are a fair reflection of all teams performances to date with Demons sitting pretty atop the league at 11-2 . U.L. hot on their heels at 11-3 . Neptune in 3rd spot with 9-5 and UCD Marian in last place in the 8 team league at 3-10.The two matchups to date saw Demons come out on top in the October (12) game 74/72 and the December (28) game 68/66 which gives credence to most pundits acceptance that tonight it can go either way with only a hop of the ball between the teams.The skinny on the teams certainly at this stage give Demons a decided advantage in terms of having the highest player numbers winningest advantage in Irish basketball over the past few years with Demons having Shane Coughlan , Niall Murphy, Carlton Cuffe, and Niall O Reilly all with the highest numbers in terms of trophies won.The reverse of the coin though points to a group who when they are ahead and the more they are ahead the more likely they are to let things slip again.Neptune for their part will rely heavily on warrior Ger Noonan and the super quick Michael Mc Ginn both at the guard spots to come through big tonight along with Ian Mc Loughlin who if the shots drop for him as they have been of late can become a deciding factor.
On the import side of things the matchups are pretty even also with Demons replacement mid way through the current campaign for Delwan Graham,Kenton Walker (22.2 p.p.g.) squaring up to Neptune,s Daren Townes.Though both players are playing as forwards quite often they will one way or another find themselves operating at post position.Walker has the advantage in terms of power and strength though Townes is a little quicker physically with the ability to create his own shot.

Game 2 despite UCD Marian,s lowly superleague stance will be inherently intresting with what it may throw up with both coaching and player change to the forefront in recent weeks.Fran Ryan is back replacing Sasa Punosevac at coach and on the floor Thomas Vigilianco replacing John Galvin despite his credible 21.2 p.p.g. average.Eagles on the other hand have a running scare going at the minute on the fitness of the excellent Robert Taylor (20.9 p.p.g.) and they will need Taylor at at least 80 per cent fitness to be assured of going through.Jason Killeen for Eagles (16.2) is the most influential big man in the superleague to date and quite often exerts an presence that all opponents are aware of. Scott Kinevane too for Eagles is vying for that top point guard mantle nationally and a major contributor for Eagles when the going gets tough. Marian will rely heavily on both guard Conor Meany and forward Kevin Foley to score points and play committed defence to have a chance to get through and position themselves for a crack at defending their Cup win of last season.
To call it at the stadium tonight I see Demons coming through by a point and Eagles soaring to a 12 point win.
Shane Coughlan (188-G-79)

*****************************************************

ITALY

Marcus Neal to train with Cimberio Varese - by Giovanni Bargna

US shooting guard Marcus Neal is joining Cimberio Varese for the trainings as the team is missing Ebi Ere and Adrian Banks, both injured.
Ere is recovering from the injury and working in the swimming pool. The player should be back with his teammates in time to face Avellino on January 27 and even if it seems he's recovering quickly his appearence in the game against Brindisi (Jan 20) seems unlikely.
Recovering period also for Adrian Banks whose diagnosis will be updated in a week and should be back in a month.

Marcus Neal is out of Delaware St (NCAA). He flew to Europe in 2010 joining Strumica, FYR Macedonia, where he played 15 games before signing with Kanizsa in Hungary.
Neal played 3 games with Banska Bystrica averaging 23.7ppg and 3 assists before coming to Italy for the first time. He joined Teramo and then Brindisi.

Neal played with Imola in the 2012 italian summer league and averaged 17ppg.

EuroLeague: Montepaschi outlast Khimky in Siena - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi - Khimky 82:76

Montepaschi Siena claimed the third consecutive victory in EuroLeague Top 16 round. They outgunned visiting Khimky tonight to remain on top of Group F. Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) topscored for the Italian champions with 20 points.
Khimky led throughout the bigger part of the game. They grabbed a 27:20 advantage ten minutes into the encounter. Montepaschi stressed their defence in the second quarter. The Siena team narrowed the gap at 2-point mark at halftime 39:41. Montepaschi eventually denied the deficit in the third quarter. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 60. But the hosts made necessary arrangement and put on a decisive rally in the dying stages to snatch a tough victory at the end. Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M) delivered 16 points, while Matt Janning (193-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) contributed 12 points for the hosts. K.C. Rivers (196-G-87, college: Clemson) answered with 13 points for Khimky. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) totalled 12 points in the loss.

Montepaschi: Bobby Brown 20, Tomas Ress 16, Matt Janning 12
Khimky: K.C. Rivers 13, Kresimir Loncar 12

*****************************************************

JAPAN

Standings - BJ League

BJ Standings

Eastern
1. Niigata Albirex		19-7
2. Iwate Big Bulls		18-6
3. Yokohama BC		17-7
4. Toyama Grouses		15-9
5. Akita NH		13-8
6. Shinshu BW		13-13
7. Chiba Jets		10-12
8. Tokyo Cinq R.		10-15
9. Sendai 89ers		8-14
10. Gunma		4-20
11. Saitama Bron.		3-19
Western
1. Okinawa GK		19-3
2. Hamamatsu P.		17-9
3. Shimane SM		16-8
4. Fukuoka Rizing		16-8
5. Shiga L-Stars		14-10
6. Kyoto Hannar.		12-12
7. Takamatsu FA		9-15
8. Oita H.Devils		9-15
9. Osaka Evessa		4-18
10. Miyazaki SS		3-21

Regular Season: Round 27

Jan. 11: Tokyo Cinq R. - Akita NH 92-81
Jan. 11: Sendai 89ers - Niigata Albirex 73-86
Jan. 12: Iwate Big Bulls - Toyama Grouses
Jan. 12: Sendai 89ers - Niigata Albirex
Jan. 12: Chiba Jets - Saitama Bron.
Jan. 12: Tokyo Cinq R. - Akita NH
Jan. 12: Yokohama BC - Gunma
Jan. 12: Hamamatsu P. - Fukuoka Rizing
Jan. 12: Kyoto Hannar. - Oita H.Devils
Jan. 12: Osaka Evessa - Shiga L-Stars
Jan. 12: Miyazaki SS - Shimane SM
Jan. 12: Okinawa GK - Takamatsu FA

BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Dominique KELLER
  Miyazaki.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Keller, Miyazaki.	21.3
2. Burns, Yokohama BC	20.7
3. Jones, Tokyo C.	20.6
4. Chandler, Chiba J.	20.5
5. Woods, Miyazaki SS	20.0
6. Parker, Shimane SM	20.0
7. Werner, Chiba Jets	19.0
8. Kennedy, Yokohama.	18.3
9. Thomas, Hamamats.	17.7
10. Woodbury, Okina.	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C-84)
  Avg: 13.5

1. Holm, Niigata Albi.	13.5
2. White, Oita H.	13.5
3. Warren, Fukuoka	12.5
4. Willard, Sendai 89.	12.1
5. Bell, Osaka Evessa	11.8
6. Cox, Osaka Evessa	10.7
7. Sato, Tokyo Cinq	10.5
8. Werner, Chiba Jets	10.5
9. Blackledge, Iwate	10.2
10. Parker, Shimane SM	10.2

Assists Per Game

Narito NAMIZATO
  Okina.
  (172-G-89)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Namizato, Okina.	6.1
2. Galloway, Hamamats.	5.9
3. Shimura, Sendai	5.8
4. Kensuke, Chiba Je.	5.8
5. Harris, Akita NH	4.9
6. Burns, Yokohama BC	4.7
7. Lyons, Takamats.	3.8
8. Tomori, Gunma	3.7
9. Yamamoto, Shima.	3.6
10. Takushi, Oita H.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Draelon BURNS
  Yokohama BC
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Burns, Yokohama BC	2.4
2. McHenry, Okina.	2.3
3. Masato, Iwate B.	2.3
4. Bell, Osaka Evessa	2.0
5. Brown, Toyama G.	2.0
6. Bell, Chiba Jets	1.9
7. Lyons, Takamats.	1.8
8. Yamauchi, Okina.	1.8
9. Parker, Shimane SM	1.8
10. Namizato, Okina.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Davis, Shimane SM	3.5
2. Blackledge, Iwate	3.0
3. Marshall, Shins.	2.0
4. Fairley, Miyazaki.	1.9
5. Brown, Toyama G.	1.7
6. Carter, Tokyo C.	1.6
7. Williams, Takamats.	1.6
8. Parker, Shimane SM	1.5
9. Newton, Okinawa GK	1.5
10. Bell, Osaka Eves.	1.4

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LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

1. Saldus		14-2
2. Jelgava/LLU		13-3
3. BK VEF-LSPA		12-3
4. RSU		11-5
5. VeA		10-5
6. ViA Riga		10-5
7. Kvele		8-7
8. Livani		6-9
9. Ogres		6-9
10. VEF skola		5-9
11. Ridzene		4-9
12. Gulbene		4-10
13. DSN		4-11
14. Liepaja-2		3-11
15. Valmiera BSS		2-14

Regular Season: Round 21

Jan. 10: Ogres - Gulbene 91-47
Jan. 9: Ridzene - BK VEF-LSPA 90-109
Jan. 9: RSU - Valmiera BSS 81-60
Jan. 11: Livani - VeA 63-86
Jan. 9: DSN - Jelgava/LLU 56-72
Jan. 10: Kvele - Saldus 49-78
Jan. 12: Gulbene - VeA
Jan. 13: Valmiera BSS - Ridzene

LITHUANIA

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings

1. Mazeikiai		18-5
2. Dzukija		17-6
3. Olimpas		16-7
4. Suduva-Mantinga		15-8
5. Triobet		15-8
6. Zanavykas		14-9
7. Statyba		14-9
8. Zalgiris-Sabonio		13-10
9. Meresta		12-11
10. S.Marciulionio		12-11
11. Delikatesas		10-13
12. Perlas-MRU		10-13
13. Birstono		9-14
14. Radviliskis		8-14
15. Ezerunas-Karys		8-15
16. Silute		7-16
17. Nafta Universitetas		5-18
18. Gargzdai		4-19

Regular Season: Round 23

Jan. 11: Perlas-MRU - Silute 98-101
Jan. 11: Mazeikiai - Zanavykas 86-76
Jan. 11: Delikatesas - Statyba 85-71
Jan. 11: Suduva-Mantinga - Zalgiris-Sabonio 76-80
Jan. 11: S.Marciulionio - Birstono 75-70
Jan. 11: Dzukija - Triobet 73-79
Jan. 11: Meresta - Gargzdai 73-47
Jan. 11: Ezerunas-Karys - Olimpas 59-68

Round 25

Jan. 11: Radviliskis - Nafta Universitetas 87-70

Regular Season: Round 24

Jan. 13: Nafta Universitetas - S.Marciulionio
Jan. 13: Zalgiris-Sabonio - Radviliskis
Jan. 13: Statyba - Suduva-Mantinga
Jan. 13: Zanavykas - Delikatesas
Jan. 13: Dzukija - Mazeikiai
Jan. 13: Olimpas - Triobet
Jan. 13: Gargzdai - Ezerunas-Karys
Jan. 13: Silute - Meresta
Jan. 13: Birstono - Perlas-MRU

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Edgaras STANIONIS
  Zanav.
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 24.9

1. Stanionis, Zanav.	24.9
2. Maneikis, Olimpas	20.0
3. Kleiza, Birstono	19.7
4. Gudaitis, Zalgir.	17.1
5. Gaidamaviciu., Mer.	16.8
6. Macernis, Mazeikiai	16.7
7. Tarvydas, Statyba	16.4
8. Giedraitis, Mazeik.	15.9
9. Kuklierius, Suduva.	15.7
10. Sakinis, Dzukija	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Cezary TRYBANSKI
  Dzukija
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Trybanski, Dzukija	10.7
2. Linkevicius, Triob.	9.7
3. Virbalas, Perla.	9.1
4. Udras, Perlas-MRU	8.9
5. Gudaitis, Zalgir.	8.3
6. Tarolis, Gargzdai	7.5
7. Jurgo, Radviliskis	7.5
8. Kazakauskas, Olimp.	7.0
9. Norkus, Nafta U.	6.8
10. Macernis, Mazeiki.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Dzukija
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Harrison, Dzukija	7.6
2. Gaidamaviciu., Mer.	7.4
3. Zurna, Radviliskis	5.6
4. Kuklierius, Suduva.	4.6
5. Kelys, Perlas-MRU	4.6
6. Varanauskas, Stat.	4.5
7. Mazutis, Mazeikiai	4.4
8. Anuzis, Nafta U.	4.4
9. Kutra, Radviliskis	4.4
10. Razutis, Olimpas	4.3

Steals Per Game

Zydrunas KELYS
  Perlas-MRU
  (188-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Kelys, Perlas-MRU	2.9
2. Macernis, Mazeikiai	2.8
3. Razutis, Olimpas	2.7
4. Stanionis, Zanav.	2.7
5. Sabeckis, Birstono	2.3
6. Pelss, Zanavykas	2.2
7. Harrison, Dzukija	2.1
8. Mazutis, Mazeikiai	2.1
9. Paliukenas, Staty.	2.0
10. Virbalas, Perla.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Cezary TRYBANSKI
  Dzukija
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Trybanski, Dzukija	3.3
2. Krestinin, S.Marc.	1.9
3. Virbalas, Perla.	1.6
4. Gudaitis, Zalgir.	1.6
5. Zvinklys, Nafta U.	1.4
6. Macernis, Mazeikiai	1.3
7. Tarolis, Gargzdai	1.3
8. Kaubrys, Silute	1.3
9. Staniulis, S.Marc.	0.9
10. Petrileviciu., Bi.	0.9

Juventus posts the first win in Top 16 - by Eurobasket News

Juventus posts the first win in Top 16 of the Baltic League. The team overcame Barsy Atyrau 113:79. Juventus led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Nerijus Varnelis (201-F-78) nailed 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Gintautas Matulis (196-F/G-86) accounted for 13 points and 11 rebounds. Edgaras Zelionis came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds and Mikhail Evstigneev (201-F/C-84) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Barsy Atyrau in the defeat.
TU/Rock meanwhile overcame Sakalai 103:60. Justin Ingram stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and guard Rain Veideman chipped in 20 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). At the losing side Jokubas Gintvainis responded with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and center Ignas Ramasauskas scored 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Kalev/Cramo outscored Naglis Palangos 84:75. Senegalese center Bamba Fall stepped up and scored 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners and Tanel Sokk chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. At the losing side Ryan Olander (213-C, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Fairfield) responded with 19 points and the other Parrish Brown scored 13 points and 7 rebounds.

NKL Round 23: Mazeikiai keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Mazeikiai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Mazeikiai defeated 6th ranked Zanavykas at home 86-76. The game was mostly controlled by Mazeikiai. Zanavykas managed to win third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Zanavykas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 steals. Rokas Giedraitis (198-92) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard Edgaras Stanionis (193-88) answered with 22 points and 6 rebounds for Zanavykas. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Zanavykas lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Statyba. Zanavykas will play next round against Delikatesas trying to get back on the winning streak. Mazeikiai will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Dzukija in Alytus.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Dzukija (17-6) against fifth ranked Triobet (15-8) on Friday night. Host Dzukija was defeated by Triobet in a tough game in Alytus 73-79. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Dzukija. It was a great evening for forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Arturas Lencevicius helped adding 18 points. Forward Povilas Sakinis (199-80) responded with 20 points. Triobet have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Suduva-Mantinga. Newly promoted Dzukija keeps the second position with six games lost. Triobet will play against higher ranked Olimpas (#3) in Plunge in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Dzukija will play at home against the league's leader Mazeikiai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was also surprising home defeat of 4th ranked Suduva-Mantinga in a game in Marijampole versus Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) 80-76. It was an exceptional evening for Marius Grigonis who led the winners and scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. Zilvinas Kuklierius came up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for Suduva-Mantinga in the defeat. Suduva-Mantinga's coach Gintautas Zibuda tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains eighth place with 13-10 record. Suduva-Mantinga at the other side keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. They share it with Triobet. Zalgiris-Sabonio will meet at home Radviliskis (#14) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Suduva-Mantinga will play against Statyba (#7) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Vilnius. It ended with only three-point home defeat of higher ranked Perlas-MRU (10-13) to sixteenth ranked Silute (7-16) 101-98 on Friday evening. The best player for the winners was Dustin Heiman who scored 28 points and 8 assists. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Silute maintains sixteenth place with 7-16 record. Perlas-MRU at the other side keeps the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Silute's next round opponent will be higher ranked Meresta (#9) in Pakruojis and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Statyba (14-9) and Delikatesas (10-13), which took place in Joniskis. Higher ranked Statyba lost to thirteenth ranked Delikatesas in a road game 71-85 on Friday. Aivaras Kvedaravicius orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Statyba's coach Gintautas Regina let to play eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Delikatesas moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Perlas-MRU. Loser Statyba dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. Delikatesas will face higher ranked Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 23: Birstono was beaten by S.Marciulionio on the road 75-70. Ezerunas-Karys lost to Olimpas on its own court 59-68. Bottom-ranked Gargzdai was outscored by Meresta in Pakruojis 47-73. Radviliskis managed to beat Nafta Universitetas at home 87-70.
The most impressive performance of 23th round was 24 points and 15 rebounds by Antanas Udras of Perlas-MRU.

S.Marciulionio - Birstono 75-70

No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked S.Marciulionio (12-11) beat 13th ranked Birstono (9-14) in Vilnius 75-70 on Friday. They outrebounded Birstono 44-23 including a 33-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Birstono was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Evaldas Baniulis (201-87, college: S.Carolina) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Janas Jurgo (200-83) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Paulius Kleiza (195-88) answered with 31 points and Simas Raupys (195-94) added 11 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Birstono. S.Marciulionio moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Meresta. Loser Birstono keeps the thirteenth position with 14 games lost. S.Marciulionio will face Nafta Universitetas (#17) in Klaipeda in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Birstono will play at home against Perlas-MRU (#12) in Vilnius and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
S.Marciulionio: E.Baniulis 22+7reb+2ast, J.Jurgo 12+9reb+3ast, G.Staniulis 8+7reb, R.Bitinas 8+3reb+3ast, O.Olisevicius 7+2reb+1ast, M.Pociukonis 6+3reb+3ast
Birstono: P.Kleiza 31+4reb+3ast, K.Kokoska 13+4reb+1ast, S.Raupys 11+5reb+2ast, A.Ramonaitis 7+1ast, D.Sabeckis 4+6ast, A.Oladimeji 4+7reb

Dzukija - Triobet 73-79

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Dzukija (17-6) against fifth ranked Triobet (15-8) on Friday night. Host Dzukija was defeated by Triobet in a tough game in Alytus 73-79. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Dzukija. It looked good early as Dzukija took an 17-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Triobet took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 6 points. They outrebounded Dzukija 41-29 including 27 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Arturas Lencevicius (186-87) helped adding 18 points. Five Triobet players scored in double figures. Forward Povilas Sakinis (199-80) responded with 20 points and American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 16 points and 5 assists. Triobet have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Suduva-Mantinga. Newly promoted Dzukija keeps the second position with six games lost. Triobet will play against higher ranked Olimpas (#3) in Plunge in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Dzukija will play at home against the league's leader Mazeikiai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Triobet: A.Lencevicius 18+4reb+2ast, M.Linkevicius 15+7reb+4ast, A.Urbonas 12+3reb+4ast, P.Vaitiekunas 11+11reb+2ast, V.Kruzikas 11+4reb+2ast, H.Vorotnikovas 5+5reb+1ast
Dzukija: P.Sakinis 20+4reb+3ast, B.Harrison 16+4reb+5ast, M.Reminas 14+3reb+4ast, C.Trybanski 9+9reb+2ast, L.Brazdauskis 6+4reb+1ast, G.Kurtinaitis 6

Ezerunas-Karys - Olimpas 59-68

Very expected game when 14th ranked Ezerunas-Karys (8-15) lost to third ranked Olimpas (16-7) in Moletai 59-68 on Friday. The game without a history. Olimpas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Guard Ignas Razutis (185-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Forward Audrius Maneikis (203-84, college: Motlow St. CC) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Forward Lukas Bankieta (198-92) answered with 13 points and 6 rebounds and guard Giedrius Kulbis (187-81) added 12 points in the effort for Ezerunas-Karys. Newly promoted Olimpas maintains third place with 16-7 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Ezerunas-Karys lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth position with 15 games lost. Olimpas will face Triobet (#5) in Jonava in the next round. Ezerunas-Karys will play on the road against Gargzdai-Bremena (#18).
Top scorers:
Olimpas: A.Maneikis 18+10reb+1ast, I.Razutis 18+5reb+7ast, M.Kazonas 15+8reb+4ast, J.Kazakauskas 7+7reb, R.Venskus 5+2reb, M.Norvaisas 3+1reb
Ezerunas-Karys: L.Bankieta 13+6reb, G.Kulbis 12+4reb+2ast, M.Janisius 10+6reb+2ast, R.Jukonis 8+4reb+1ast, K.Alekna 6+4reb+1ast, R.Ambrulaitis 5+6reb+1ast

Perlas-MRU - Silute 98-101

A very interesting game took place in Vilnius. It ended with only three-point home defeat of higher ranked Perlas-MRU (10-13) to sixteenth ranked Silute (7-16) 101-98 on Friday evening. Perlas-MRU was ahead by 17 points after three quarters before a 34-14 charge of Silute, which allowed them to win the game. They made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Silute forced 19 Perlas-MRU turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American point guard Dustin Heiman (180-86, college: Abil.Christian) who scored 28 points and 8 assists. Guard Eivydas Molosciakas (190-93) chipped in 21 points. Forward Antanas Udras (202-92) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and point guard Zydrunas Kelys (188-87) added 16 points, 5 assists and 5 steals respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Silute maintains sixteenth place with 7-16 record. Perlas-MRU at the other side keeps the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Silute's next round opponent will be higher ranked Meresta (#9) in Pakruojis and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Silute: D.Heiman 28+2reb+8ast, E.Molosciakas 21+2reb+3ast, G.Pakalniskis 16+5reb+4ast, M.Kasiulevicius 13+3reb+4ast, E.Saulys 7+2reb+2ast, E.Sosnovskis 6+4reb
Perlas-MRU: A.Udras 24+15reb, Z.Kelys 16+3reb+5ast, Z.Stankus 12+2ast, T.Lekunas 10+3reb+1ast, J.Elvikis 8+2reb, M.Virbalas 8+7reb+4ast

Meresta - Gargzdai 73-47

Very predictable result when ninth ranked Meresta (12-11) rolled over bottom-ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (4-19) in Pakruojis 73-47 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Meresta. Gargzdai-Bremena was better in second period 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Meresta dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Gargzdai-Bremena's 28. Meresta had a 36-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-82) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Center Julius Jucikas (205-89) contributed with 19 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Laurynas Lucinskas (201-93) answered with 8 points and 7 rebounds and forward Renatas Jonelis (201-84) added 9 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Gargzdai-Bremena. Meresta maintains ninth place with 12-11 record, which they share with S.Marciulionio. Loser Gargzdai-Bremena stay at the bottom position with 19 games lost. Meresta will face Silute (#16) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gargzdai-Bremena will play against Ezerunas-Karys in Moletai.
Top scorers:
Meresta: J.Jucikas 19+5reb+1ast, T.Gaidamavicius 16+9reb+8ast, I.Vaitkus 13+4reb+3ast, B.Bagdonavicius 9+2reb, A.Gurklys 5+1reb, A.Povilaitis 4+3reb
Gargzdai: R.Jonelis 9+5reb, L.Lucinskas 8+7reb, D.Matutis 7+1reb+2ast, M.Martinkus 7+3reb+1ast, G.Sakalas 5+4reb, R.Zabita 4+3reb

Suduva-Mantinga - Zalgiris-Sabonio 76-80

An interesting game was also surprising home defeat of 4th ranked Suduva-Mantinga in a game in Marijampole versus Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) 80-76. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Suduva-Mantinga won third quarter 23-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Zalgiris-Sabonio won last quarter 17-15. It was an exceptional evening for forward Marius Grigonis (198-94) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Lukas Lekavicius (180-94) accounted for 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winning side. Guard Zilvinas Kuklierius (180-85) came up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Marius Valukonis (198-88) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Suduva-Mantinga in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Suduva-Mantinga's coach Gintautas Zibuda tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains eighth place with 13-10 record. Suduva-Mantinga at the other side keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. They share it with Triobet. Zalgiris-Sabonio will meet at home Radviliskis (#14) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Suduva-Mantinga will play against Statyba (#7) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris-Sabonio: M.Grigonis 24+8reb+2ast, L.Lekavicius 18+7reb+5ast, N.Barauskas 17+5reb, T.Dimsa 11+3reb+4ast, K.Vene 4+1reb+1ast, J.Tamulis 3+2reb+1ast
Suduva-Mantinga: M.Valukonis 19+6reb+1ast, Z.Kuklierius 19+6reb+4ast, A.Mineikis 14+8reb+1ast, A.Zibuda 10+4reb, P.Knyza 5+2reb+3ast, A.Krivonis 4+4reb+1ast

Delikatesas - Statyba 85-71

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Statyba (14-9) and Delikatesas (10-13), which took place in Joniskis. Higher ranked Statyba lost to thirteenth ranked Delikatesas in a road game 71-85 on Friday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Delikatesas forced 19 Statyba turnovers. Statyba was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Aivaras Kvedaravicius (184-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Irmantas Lianzbergas (185-91) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. point guard Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-91) answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds and center Alvydas Zarskus (205-94) added 10 points in the effort for Statyba. Statyba's coach Gintautas Regina let to play eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Delikatesas moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Perlas-MRU. Loser Statyba dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. Delikatesas will face higher ranked Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: A.Kvedaravicius 20+7reb+5ast, M.Pukinskas 18+3reb+2ast, I.Lianzbergas 16+7reb, Z.Petraitis 10+2reb+2ast, D.Girdvila 9+6reb+3ast, M.Keras 8+6reb+1ast
Statyba: O.Varanauskas 21+7reb+2ast, A.Zarskus 10+4reb+2ast, G.Marciukaitis 7+2reb, T.Rinkunas 7+6reb+2ast, D.Tarvydas 7+6reb+2ast, K.Brusokas 7+2reb

Mazeikiai - Zanavykas 86-76

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Mazeikiai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Mazeikiai defeated 6th ranked Zanavykas at home 86-76. The game was mostly controlled by Mazeikiai. Zanavykas managed to win third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Zanavykas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 steals. Rokas Giedraitis (198-92) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard Edgaras Stanionis (193-88) answered with 22 points and 6 rebounds and center Vilius Sumskis (213-84, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Zanavykas. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Zanavykas lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Statyba. Zanavykas will play next round against Delikatesas trying to get back on the winning streak. Mazeikiai will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Dzukija in Alytus.
Top scorers:
Mazeikiai: O.Macernis 27+3reb+1ast, R.Giedraitis 17+5reb+2ast, E.Zukauskas 16+4reb+3ast, V.Pikalavicius 9+3reb+3ast, M.Sidlauskas 7+4reb+2ast, A.Mikutis 6+3reb+1ast
Zanavykas: E.Stanionis 22+6reb+3ast, V.Sumskis 14+8reb+2ast, P.Parachomikas 13+7reb+2ast, V.Vaiksnis 9+3reb+1ast, R.Ostreika 5+3reb+1ast, R.Simanavicius 5+1reb+1ast

Round 25

Radviliskis - Nafta Universitetas 87-70

Not a big story in a game when 17th ranked Nafta Universitetas (5-18) lost on the road to fifteenth ranked Radviliskis (8-14) 87-70 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Radviliskis. Nafta Universitetas was better in fourth quarter 20-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Nafta Universitetas 45-26 including a 32-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Antanas Montrimavicius (199-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Lukas Pipiras (192-89) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Radviliskis players scored in double figures. Swingman Tadas Mazelis (194-92) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Deividas Anuzis (181-92) added 20 points in the effort for Nafta Universitetas. Radviliskis have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourteenth place. Nafta Universitetas lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventeenth position with 18 games lost. Radviliskis will face higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) in Kaunas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nafta Universitetas will play at home against S.Marciulionio (#10) in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Radviliskis: A.Montrimavicius 26+9reb+1ast, L.Pipiras 14+10reb, R.Rauktys 13+8reb+1ast, L.Kutra 10+5reb+8ast, V.Trepocka 9+6reb+3ast, L.Chmieliauskas 7+1reb+1ast
Nafta Universitetas: D.Anuzis 20+3reb, T.Mazelis 19+7reb, V.Chodosovskis 9+3reb, D.Zvinklys 9+3reb, H.Venskus 8+3reb+1ast, V.Tarolis 2+3reb

Eigirdas Zukauskas joins Mazeikiai - by Eurobasket News

Mazeikiai (NKL) agreed terms with 21-year old domestic point guard Eigirdas Zukauskas (201-92). He just played at BC Siauliai (LKL). In four games this season he had only 2.3ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.0apg. Zukauskas also played 5 games in Baltic League where he recorded 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.0spg. The most of last season he spent at KK Radviliskis-Juodeliai. In 24 NKL games last year he recorded 8.0ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to win the regular season. Zukauskas also played at Statyba earlier that season. In 20 NKL games he recorded 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg and 2.3apg.
He was a member of Lithuanian U20 National Team last year.
Zukauskas has played previously for two other Lithuania teams: Lietuvos rytas and Vilniaus KM-Magnus.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Eigirdas Zukauskas joins Mazeikiai - by Eurobasket News

Mazeikiai (NKL) agreed terms with 21-year old domestic point guard Eigirdas Zukauskas (201-92). He just played at BC Siauliai (LKL). In four games this season he had only 2.3ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.0apg. Zukauskas also played 5 games in Baltic League where he recorded 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.0spg. The most of last season he spent at KK Radviliskis-Juodeliai. In 24 NKL games last year he recorded 8.0ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to win the regular season. Zukauskas also played at Statyba earlier that season. In 20 NKL games he recorded 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg and 2.3apg.
He was a member of Lithuanian U20 National Team last year.
Zukauskas has played previously for two other Lithuania teams: Lietuvos rytas and Vilniaus KM-Magnus.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Sakalai adds Krestinin to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Sakalai Vilnius (LKL) added to their roster 19-year old power forward Denis Krestinin (202-94, agency: Beo Basket). He just played at S.Marciulionio (NKL). In 18 games this season he recorded 6.0ppg, 6.1rpg and 1.9bpg. The last season he played at Lietuvos rytas. Krestinin also played at Siaures Lietuva earlier that season. The other team he played that season for was S.Marciulionio K.A. Vilnius. In 15 NKL games last year he averaged 5.6ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.1bpg.
Krestinin ended 2010-11 season at S.M.K.A. - Lietuvos draudimas. But the most of that year he spent at Akademija. In 9 RKL games he averaged only 2.1ppg and 3.6rpg.
Despite your age Krestinin had impressive career. His was voted All-Eurobasket.com European Championships U16 1st Team back in 2010. He represented Lithuania at the European Championships U18 in Lithuania last year. Krestinins team won Silver and his stats at that event were 9 games: 6.6ppg, Reb-4(8.3rpg), 1.1spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 46.4%.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @MiskoRaznatovic)

EuroLeague: Real nip Zalgiris on late triple from Sergio Rodriguez - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid - Zalgiris 75:74

Real Madrid eked out an exhausting and emotional victory over visiting Zalgiris in EuroLeague Top 16 Round 3 tonight. Sergio Rodriguez (191-PG-86) drained a late three-pointer as Real snatched home win to stay perfect in Group E. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) finished with 17 points for the home team.
It was a close battle from start to finish. Zalgiris got to the better start as they enjoyed a 20:11 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Real finished the period strong and got within 5 points at the first break 18:23. The hosts denied the deficit in the second stanza. Sergio Rodriguez converted a layup to put the hosts in front 29:28. The lead changed hands for several times before Nikola Mirotic made it 40:40 at halftime. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the third quarter. Hettscheimer capped the period with a jumper as Real snatched a 54:52 lead with ten minutes remaining. It all came down to the final seconds in this one. Real took a 72:70 lead with 64 seconds remaining in regulation. However Sergio Rodriguez committed a turnover and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) was given a foul that allowed Ksistof Lavrinovic to put Zalgiris on level terms with Real 72:72. Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) then followed with two free throws that gave the Lithuanian team a 74:72 advantage with 8 seconds remaining. But it was just enough for Rudy Fernandez to find Sergio Rodriguez in the corner and the guard drained a crucial three-pointer to seal the win for the hosts. Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull (192-SG-87) accounted for 10 points each for Real. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) fired 21 points on 5/9 shooting from beyond the arc. Oliver Lafayette contributed 13 points in the loss.

Real Madrid: Nikola Mirotic 17, Rudy Fernandez 10, Sergio Llull 10
Zalgiris: Marko Popovic 21, Oliver Lafayette 13

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MEXICO

Romel Beck's 30 points make him top Mexican player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Mexican players, who play currently abroad.

Romel Beck

#1. This week's number one is an international swingman Romel Beck (201-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV, currently plays in Israel). He led Bnei Hasharon to a victory over the closely-ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv (5-7) 94-88 in the Israeli Winner League in Sunday night's game. Beck was MVP of the game. He scored 30 points (!!!) in 36 minutes on the court. Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon (5-7) is placed ninth in the Winner League. It's Beck's first season with the team. Beck is currently first on the list of top scorers with 19.9ppg. He also averaged so far 3.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 65.2%(73-112), 3FGP: 27.3% and FT: 83.0% in the 12 games he played so far. Beck is a naturalized American. He is currently a member of the Mexican senior national team. Beck used to play for Correcaminos Victoria in Mexican league.

Paul Stoll

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Paul Stoll (180-85, currently plays in Israel), who plays in the Israeli Winner League. He could not help Maccabi Haifa (8-4) in their last game on Monday. Despite Stoll's good performance Maccabi Haifa was defeated 89-84 on the road by the much lower-ranked Hapoel Holon (#10). He scored 14 points, made 3 passes and 4 steals. Stoll is currently sixth on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (fifth place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Stoll averages: 15.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 37.0% and FT: 83.3%. He is a naturalized American. Stoll is in the roster of the Mexican senior national team. He used to play for Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon in Mexican league.

Earl Watson

#3. The Mexican player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international point guard Earl Watson (185-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: UCLA, currently plays in NBA). Watson was not able to help the Utah Jazz (19-18) in their game against the Denver Nuggets (21-16) in the NBA. He scored 7 points in 17 minutes. The Utah Jazz was badly defeated 110-91 in Denver by the Nuggets. This year Watson's overall stats are: 2.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.0apg, 2FGP: 32.5% and FT: 63.6% in the 22 games. He is a naturalized American. Watson played for the Mexican national team six years ago. Strangely he has never played in Mexico.

Raul Delgado

   #4. Guard Raul Delgado (188-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the Loyola Marymount University (1-2) crushing them 92-51 in the NCAA last Thursday. Delgado scored 7 points in only 9 minutes. The Brigham Young University has 3-0 conference record this season. So far his team won all three games in the conference. Delgado has relatively good stats this year: 14.5ppg, 8.0rpg and 2.3apg in the 14 games. He used to play for the Mexican university national team back in 2011.

The list of other players, who all have Mexican passport but never been selected to any of Mexican national teams:

   #1. Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St., currently plays in Austria) led Kapfenberg Bulls to a victory against the ninth-ranked Furstenfeld Panthers (5-9) 81-70 in the Austrian A Bundesliga in Monday night's game. Sanchez recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds. ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (11-3) is placed third in the A Bundesliga. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. Sanchez is ranked third on the list of the best rebounders in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 14.5ppg, 8.0rpg and 2.3apg. Sanchez is a naturalized American. He used to play for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango in Mexican league.

   #2. Jaime Serna (205-F-89, college: UCSB, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a CB Clavijo's victory against the closely-ranked Leche Rio Breogan (7-6) 77-69 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Serna recorded 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. CB Clavijo (6-7) is placed seventh in the LEB Gold. It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses. Serna's total stats this season are: 4.8ppg and 4.1rpg. He has a dual citizenship: Mexican and Spanish.

   #3. Diego Gonzalez (175-PG-84, currently plays in Uruguay) managed to help Atletico Aguada in a victory against the ninth-ranked Montevideo BC (14-14) 105-99 in the Uruguayan LUB in Monday night's game. Gonzalez recorded 5 points and added 9 passes in 20 minutes. Atletico Aguadais placed first in Capital group. Gonzalez belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #7 with 5.2apg. He also averaged so far 5.7ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.2spg in the 26 games he played so far. Gonzalez is another player who holds two passports: Mexican and Uruguayan.

   #4. Juan Alvarez (200-F-92, currently plays in Uruguay), who plays in the Uruguayan LUB could not help Bigua (20-8) to beat Union Atletica (19-9). He recorded 5 points. The third-placed Bigua was defeated 89-77 in a derby game by the lower-ranked Union Atletica (#5) in the Capital group. This season Alvarez averages only 1.4ppg.

   #5. Juan Anderson (198-F-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Marquette edge the Georgetown University (0-2) 49-48 in the NCAA on Saturday night. He scored only 1 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 13 minutes. The Marquette University has 1-0 conference record this season. This year Anderson averages just 1.4ppg in the 15 games. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Anderson has never played in Mexico.

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MONTENEGRO

Bojan Dubljevic's 32 points make him top Montenegrin player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Montenegrin players, who play currently abroad.

Bojan Dubljevic

#1. This week's number one is an international power forward Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Spain). He led Valencia Basket to an overtime victory over the closely-ranked Gescrap BB (10-6) 113-111 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Dubljevic was MVP of the game. He recorded 32 points (!!!) and grabbed 6 rebounds (made all of his thirteen free throws !!!) in 31 minutes on the court. Valencia Basket (12-4) is placed third in the ACB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. It's Dubljevic's first season with the team. Dubljevic has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 55.9%(57-102) and FT: 90.2%(37-41) in the 15 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Pekovic

#2. Second place goes to an international center Nikola Pekovic (209-86, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in NBA). Pekovic led Minnesota Timberwolves to a victory over the Atlanta Hawks (20-14) 108-103 in the NBA last Tuesday. He was the best player in that game. Pekovic recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 18 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves have 16-16 record this season. Pekovic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 2FGP: 51.2% and FT: 78.5%. Pekovic is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Vucevic

#3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Nikola Vucevic (210-90, college: USC, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. Vucevic could not help the Orlando Magic (12-23) in their last game on Monday. Despite his very good performance the Orlando Magic was defeated in an overtime 125-119 on the road by the Portland Trail Blazers. Vucevic recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 5 assists. Vucevic is ranked sixth on the list of the best rebounders in the league. This season he has very high stats. Vucevic averages: 11.3ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 50.7% and FT: 65.3%. He is also a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Vladimir Dragicevic

#4. Power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to an easy victory against the sixth-ranked Lietuvos rytas (5-5) crushing them 83-63 in the VTB United League last Sunday. Dragicevic recorded 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 26 minutes. Spartak St.Petersburg (7-2) is placed second in group A. This year Dragicevic's overall stats are: 8.9ppg and 5.0rpg in the seven games. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

Milko Bjelica

#5. International power forward Milko Bjelica (205-84, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Euroleague) was the major contributor in a Caja Laboral's victory against the eighth-ranked Besiktas (0-3) crushing them 77-51 in the Euroleague on Thursday night. Bjelica scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Caja Laboral Vitoria (3-0) is placed first in group F. So far his team won all three games in the Top 16. Bjelica's total stats this season are: 4.7ppg and 2.8rpg. He has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Montenegrin. Bjelica plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

Suad Sehovic

#6. Swingman Suad Sehovic (196-87, currently plays in Ukraine) was the main contributor in Khimik's victory against the closely-ranked Mykolaiv (12-13) crushing them 86-45 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Saturday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Sehovic had a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 15 rebounds. He also added and 3 steals in 30 minutes. Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (13-10) is placed sixth in the Superleague. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Sehovic has relatively solid stats: 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.3apg in the 22 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Omar-Sharif Cook

#7. International point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (188-82, another player represented by Beo Basket, college: St.John's, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Milko Bjelica. But that was another game of his team in Spanish ACB which we would like to mention. Cook contributed to a Caja Laboral's victory against the ninth-ranked Asefa Estudiantes (8-8) 72-68. He recorded 8 points and added 3 passes. Caja Laboral Vitoria (13-3) is placed second in the ACB. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. Cook's total stats this season are: 5.0ppg, 1.7rpg and 4.0apg. He is a naturalized American. Cook is also Montenegrin national team player. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

Ivan Maras

#8. Power forward Ivan Maras (207-86, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Cyprus) helped Etha win their game against the sixth-ranked AEL (4-8) 86-71 in the Cypriot Division A on Wednesday night. Maras was the top player that evening. He scored 23 points, had 9 boards, dished 3 assists and stole 3 balls in 32 minutes. Michelin Etha Engomis Nicosia (9-3) is placed second in the Division A. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Maras has reliable stats this year: 15.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg and 2.0spg in the two games. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

Goran Martinic

#9. Former U21 international point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell, currently plays in Romania) helped CSM Bucuresti win their game against the 14th-ranked Miercurea Ciuc (3-13) 77-69 in the Romanian Liga Nationala last Wednesday. Martinic was the top player that evening. He recorded 20 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes. CS Municipal Bucuresti (11-5) is placed fifth in the Liga Nationala. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Martinic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his sixth year in CSM Bucuresti's roster. Martinic is the league's top scorer and also on the list of best passers (sixth place). He has very impressive stats this year: 22.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.0apg and 2.1spg in the 16 games. Martinic used to play for the Montenegrin U21 national team six years ago.

Igor Bijelic

   #10. Power forward Igor Bijelic (207-88, currently plays in Bosnia) helped Mladost win their game against the seventh-ranked Zrinjski HT (5-7) 100-85 in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I on Saturday night. He scored 17 points, had 5 boards, handed out 3 passes and blocked 3 shots. KK Mladost Mrkonjic Gradis placed in the Division I. Bijelic is ranked seventh on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (sixth place). This season he has very high stats. Bijelic averages: 18.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.6apg and 1.5bpg. He is a former U21 international player as six years ago he still played for the Montenegrin national team.

   #11. International swingman Milos Borisov (198-85, currently plays in Adriatic League), who plays in Serbia was not able to help Radnicki KG (8-8) in their last game. Despite Borisov's good performance Radnicki KG was edged 88-85 in Aleksandrovac by the leading Igokea. He had a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 11 rebounds. Borisov also added and 3 steals in 27 minutes. This year his total stats are: 5.8ppg and 3.4rpg in the 15 games. Borisov plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

   #12. Former international forward Zarko Rakocevic (204-84, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Austria) helped BC Vienna win their game against the seventh-ranked Redwell Gunners Oberwart crushing them 75-50 in the Austrian A Bundesliga on Sunday night. Rakocevic had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 11 rebounds in 33 minutes. Rakocevic belongs to league's best blockers and is ranked #2 with 1.2bpg. This year his other stats are: 16.7ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.3apg in the 12 games. Rakocevic used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2009.

   #13. Former U20 international forward Marko Loncovic (200-91, currently plays in Portugal) helped Barcelos win their game against the seventh-ranked Sampaense 90-83 in the Portuguese LPB in Saturday night's game. He scored 23 points, grabbed 6 boards, passed 3 assists and added 5 steals (was perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line). Loncovic is the league's top scorer and also on the list of best rebounders (seventh place). This season he has very high stats. Loncovic averages: 20.2ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.1apg and 2.4spg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team two years ago.

   #14. Former international swingman Sasha Pavlovic (200-83, currently plays in NBA) managed to help Portland Trail Blazers to win against the Miami Heat 92-90 in the NBA last Thursday. He scored only 3 points. Pavlovic has averaged so far 2.3ppg and 1.5rpg. He used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2008.

   #15. International swingman Sead Sehovic (196-89, currently plays in Adriatic League) was not able to secure a victory for one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams Szolnok in their game against HKK Siroki WWin in the Adriatic League. Sehovic recorded 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 33 minutes. His team lost 69-75. Sehovic's stats this year are: 12.1ppg, 4.7rpg and 2.2apg in the 12 games. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.

The list of other players, who all have Montenegrin passport but never been selected to any of Montenegrin national teams:

   #1. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91, currently plays in Euroleague) led his Spanish team Real Madrid to a victory over the eighth-ranked Brose Baskets Bamberg (0-3) 82-67 in the Euroleague on Thursday night. He was the top player that evening. Mirotic scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 22 minutes. Real Madrid (2-0) is placed second in group E. This year Mirotic has relatively solid stats: 12.5ppg and 5.1rpg in the 12 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic's Montenegrin passport, he previously played for the Spanish U20 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Montenegrin team.

   #2. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Czech Republic) contributed to a CEZ Nymburk's victory against the seventh-ranked Levice (9-11) 77-63 in the Czech Republic NBL in Thursday night's game. Pavkovic scored 8 points and added 7 passes. CEZ Basketball Nymburk (19-1) is placed first in the NBL. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Pavkovic is currently fifth on the league's list of best passers. His total stats this season are: 5.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.3apg and 1.2spg.

   #3. Novak Popovic (207-C-81, currently plays in Bosnia), who plays in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I could not help one of league's weakest teams Capljina Lasta (9-3) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Capljina Lasta was crushed 94-72 on the road by the leading Bosna ASA BHT. Popovic was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 4 rebounds. Popovic has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.4ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.9apg.

   #4. Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Belgium) helped Base Oostende win their game against the league outsider Leuven Bears (3-9) 84-73 in the Belgian Ethias League last Saturday. Djordjevic scored 8 points and added 7 assists in 37 minutes. Telenet Oostende (7-4) is placed third in the Ethias League. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Djordjevic is ranked second on the list of the best passers in the league with 5.5apg. This year he also averages: 8.2ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.1spg in the 10 games. Djordjevic is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and Montenegrin.

   #5. Milos Komatina (205-F/C-84, currently plays in Adriatic League) helped his Bosnia and Herzegovina team Igokea win their game against the eighth-ranked Radnicki KG (8-8) 88-85 in the Adriatic League on Saturday night. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds (made all of his six free throws). BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (13-3) is placed first in the Adriatic League. Komatina has averaged so far 7.8ppg and 3.3rpg.

   #6. Experienced Ranko Velimirovic (205-C/F-72, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Bosnia) helped Mladost win their game against the seventh-ranked Zrinjski HT 100-85 in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I in Saturday night's game. He scored 15 points and added 3 passes in 26 minutes. Velimirovic's stats this year are: 11.0ppg, 3.9rpg and 2.5apg in the 12 games.

   #7. Boris Lalovic (209-C-81, currently plays in Bosnia) faced previously mentioned Ranko Velimirovic in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I last game. Lalovic, who plays in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I was not able to help Zrinjski HT (5-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Zrinjski HT lost 85-100 in Mrkonjic Grad to the higher-ranked (#3) Mladost. Lalovic was the top scorer with 24 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 30 minutes. Lalovic belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #7 with 6.9rpg. This year he also averages: 16.5ppg and 1.4apg in the 12 games.

   #8. Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA, currently plays in Italy) helped Air Avellino win their game against the tenth-ranked Umana Venezia 97-93 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Dragovic scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. He averaged so far 10.4ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.1spg in the 14 games. Dragovic has both Serbian and Montenegrin nationalities. Despite his Montenegrin passport, Dragovic previously played for the Serbian university national team and probably cannot be called to the Montenegrin team.

   #9. Bojan Subotic (203-F-90, currently plays in Eurocup) managed to help Crvena Zvezda DIVA Beograd to win against the closely-ranked ratiopharm Ulm 100-95 in the Eurocup in Wednesday night's game. He recorded only 4 points. Subotic has averaged so far 8.9ppg and 4.3rpg.

   #10. Luka Sjekloca (212-C-84, currently plays in Bulgaria) helped Tundja Yambol win their game against one of league's weakest teams Chernomorets 84-76 in the Bulgarian NBL last Sunday. He scored 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Sjekloca has averaged so far 6.4ppg and 4.3rpg.

Yambol inks Zoran Kascelan - by Dragan Scepanovic

Basketball Club Tundja Yambol and DELFI SMG announced that Club signed contract until end of season with Montenegrin point guard Zoran Kascelan (188-PG-86). The team let Plamen Aleksiev go on personal leave, and was looking for a backup for the experienced Yulian Radionov. Kascelan comes from Bosnian team of Leotar Trebinje, where he spent last season. His career starts with six seasons at home team of Lovcen Cetinje.
Zoran Kascelan agreed his contract after short trial period in Tundja Yambol, and was approved from the management.

*****************************************************

NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. New York K.		23-13
2. Brooklyn N.		21-15
3. Boston C.		19-17
4. Philadelph.76		15-22
5. Toronto R.		14-22
Central Div.
1. Indiana P.		22-14
2. Chicago B.		20-14
3. Milwaukee B.		18-17
4. Detroit P.		14-23
5. Cleveland C.		9-29
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		23-11
2. Atlanta H.		21-14
3. Orlando M.		12-23
4. Charlotte B.		9-26
5. Washington W.		5-28
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		28-8
2. Denver N.		22-16
3. Portland TB		20-16
4. Utah Jazz		19-19
5. Minnesota T.		16-17
Pacific Div.
1. LA Clippers		28-8
2. Golden St.W.		23-12
3. LA Lakers		15-21
4. Sacramento K.		13-23
5. Phoenix Suns		12-26
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		28-11
2. Memphis G.		24-10
3. Houston R.		21-16
4. Dallas M.		14-23
5. N.Orleans H.		11-25

Regular Season: Round 72

Jan. 11: Brooklyn N. - Phoenix Suns 99-79
Jan. 11: Toronto R. - Charlotte B. 99-78
Jan. 11: Denver N. - Cleveland C. 98-91
Jan. 11: Milwaukee B. - Detroit P. 87-103
Jan. 11: N.Orleans H. - Minnesota T. 104-92
Jan. 11: Golden St.W. - Portland TB 103-97
Jan. 11: Atlanta H. - Utah Jazz 103-95
Jan. 11: Boston C. - Houston R. 103-91
Jan. 11: Memphis G. - San Antonio S. 101-98 OT
Jan. 11: LA Lakers - Oklah.City T. 101-116
Jan. 11: New York K. - Chicago B. 101-108

Regular Season: Round 73

Jan. 12: LA Clippers - Orlando M.
Jan. 12: Washington W. - Atlanta H.
Jan. 12: Indiana P. - Charlotte B.
Jan. 12: Philadelph.76 - Houston R.
Jan. 12: Detroit P. - Utah Jazz
Jan. 12: Chicago B. - Phoenix Suns
Jan. 12: Dallas M. - Memphis G.
Jan. 12: Sacramento K. - Miami Heat

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-SG-78)
  Avg: 30

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	30.0
2. Anthony, New Y.	29.3
3. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.5
4. Harden, Houston R.	26.4
5. James, Miami Heat	26.0
6. Irving, Cleveland	23.6
7. Westbrook, Oklah..	21.9
8. Wade, Miami Heat	20.7
9. Curry, Golden S.	20.2
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	20.2

Rebounds Per Game

Anderson VAREJAO
  Clevelan.
  (205-C-82)
  Avg: 14.4

1. Varejao, Clevelan.	14.4
2. Love, Minnesota T.	14.0
3. Howard, LA Lakers	12.4
4. Randolph, Memph.	12.0
5. Asik, Houston R.	11.1
6. Hickson, Portland.	11.0
7. Vucevic, Orlan.	10.9
8. Lee, Golden St.W.	10.8
9. Chandler, New Y.	10.8
10. Noah, Chicago B.	10.4

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.1
2. Paul, LA Clippers	9.5
3. Vasquez, N.Orlean.	9.2
4. Holiday, Philadel.	8.8
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.5
6. Calderon, Toron.	7.8
7. Williams, Brooklyn	7.6
8. Parker, San A.	7.1
9. Nelson, Orlando M.	7.0
10. James, Miami Heat	6.9

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.6
2. Conley, Memphis G.	2.4
3. Jennings, Milwauke.	2.1
4. Westbrook, Oklah..	2.1
5. Lin, Houston R.	2.0
6. Harden, Houston R.	1.9
7. Rondo, Boston C.	1.9
8. Leonard, San A.	1.9
9. Walker, Charlott.	1.8
10. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Larry SANDERS
  Milwauke.
  (211-F-88)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Sanders, Milwauke.	3.2
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.8
3. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.6
4. Duncan, San A.	2.6
5. Howard, LA Lakers	2.6
6. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.4
7. Noah, Chicago B.	2.1
8. Lopez, Brooklyn N.	2.1
9. McGee, Denver N.	2.0
10. Lopez, N.Orleans	1.9

Lakers forward Jordan Hill out for season with hip injury - by Eurobasket News

Lakers forward Jordan Hill (6'10''-F/C-87, college: Arizona) was examined by team doctor Steve Lombardo and hip specialist Dr. Jason Snibbe, and underwent an arthrogram test today on his injured left hip. Results of the test showed he has loose fragments in addition to a possible labral tear. Hill has been advised that surgery will be needed to repair the injury, and he will be out for the remainder of the season. Hill is expected to get a second opinion before he schedules surgery.
Courtesy of: insidehoops.com

Celtics assign Fab Melo to Maine - by Eurobasket News

The Boston Celtics have assigned center Fabricio Melo (7'0''-C-90, college: Syracuse) to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. Melo, a 70 center, has appeared in 12 games for the Red Claws this season averaging 10.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.83 blocks per game which ranks second in the D-League. Courtesy of: basketball.realgm.com

Thunder's win in LA among eleven games on Friday - by Eurobasket News

LA Lakers - Oklah.City T. 101-116
Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) scored 42 points, Russell Westbrook had 27 points and 10 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder easily sent the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to their sixth straight loss, 116-101 Friday night. Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, college: W.Carolina) scored 15 points and hit three 3-pointers for the Thunder, who romped to a 27-point lead in the second half of their seventh win in nine games. Oklahoma City (28-8) matched the Clippers for the NBA's best record with a virtuoso game from Durant, who had 38 points midway through the third quarter. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-SG-78) scored 28 for the Lakers, on their first six-game skid since March 2007. Antawn Jamison (6'9''-F-76, college: N.Carolina) added 19 points as Los Angeles looked lost and overmatched in its third straight game without starting big men Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. The Thunder eliminated Bryant and the Lakers from last season's playoffs in five games, but Los Angeles has shown few signs of being able to compete with Oklahoma City this season. Injuries aren't the only problem, but Howard likely is out for at least another week with a shoulder injury, while Gasol still hasn't been cleared to return from his concussion. Steve Nash had seven points and seven assists in a quiet 30 minutes for the Lakers, who announced during the second quarter that backup big man Jordan Hill likely needs season-ending surgery on his left hip. Metta World Peace added 12 points, going 1 for 9 on 3-point attempts. The Lakers (15-21) hadn't lost this many consecutive games since the year before they acquired Gasol and embarked on a run to three straight NBA finals. With Cleveland and Milwaukee visiting over the next four days, the Lakers have a chance to get competitive again - but they're facing an uphill climb just to get into playoff contention. Oklahoma City inexplicably lost to lowly Washington four days ago, but made none of the same mistakes in another meeting with a short-handed opponent. The Thunder also beat the Lakers 114-108 in Oklahoma City last month while Los Angeles was without Gasol and Nash. The Thunder jumped to an 11-point lead in the first quarter, but Bryant led an 11-0 run to tie it heading into the second. That run was the extent of Los Angeles' competitiveness against the defending Western Conference champions: Oklahoma City calmly reclaimed control, with Durant scoring 16 points in the quarter capped by a 3-pointer with 0.2 seconds left before halftime, putting the Thunder up 64-48. Along with predictable defensive struggles against Durant and Westbrook, Los Angeles missed its first 12 3-point attempts before Nash connected midway through the third quarter. Durant scored 15 more points in the third before sitting out much of the fourth, finishing nine points shy of his career high. Hill's prolonged absence would be another big blow to the Lakers, who would lose one of their few reliable reserves. The fourth-year pro is averaging 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first full season with Los Angeles. He'll get a second opinion on his hip before scheduling season-ending surgery on loose fragments and a possible labral tear. Courtesy of: usatoday.com

Memphis G. - San Antonio S. 101-98 OT
Memphis coach Lionel Hollins warned his Grizzlies they could feel sorry for themselves after Tony Parker (6'2''-PG-82) hit a 27-footer at the buzzer to force overtime or go back out and win the game. The Grizzlies chose the second option. Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) hit a pullup jumper from 14 feet with 27.8 seconds left, and the Grizzlies held off the San Antonio Spurs 101-98 in overtime Friday night for their fourth straight victory overall and their first over their Southwest Division rival since the 2011 playoffs. "It was a good test of our mental toughness and our togetherness because we did stick together," Hollins said. "We kept operating efficiently offensively, and nobody really tried to go off on their own, and we got the win." San Antonio had won five straight in the series since the Grizzlies upset the then-No. 1 seed in the opening round in 2011 in six games. The Spurs also had a 2 1/2-game divisional lead on Memphis coming into this game despite Memphis having played five fewer games, and the teams played at postseason intensity despite the calendar. "It's always going to be a playoff-type feel when you play those guys, no matter whether it's the playoffs or a regular season game," Grizzlies guard Tony Allen said. "It's all a test for the postseason. We've got a lot of weapons. As long as we play together and play for each other, good things are going to happen. We've just got to grind it out for 48 minutes." The Grizzlies needed five more minutes after Parker's 27-footer beat the buzzer and tied it at 95. He also opened overtime with a 3 that turned out to be the Spurs' only bucket as San Antonio went 1 of 10 from the floor. Manu Ginobili missed a long 3 just before the buzzer. "That was an incredible shot by Tony to give us a chance to stay in the game and get five more minutes to figure it out," Spurs forward Tim Duncan said. "We started out pretty well and got ourselves a lead, but they just kept coming. They just made more plays than we did. They just outplayed us." Darrell Arthur's dunk with 8.9 seconds left gave the Grizzlies the final margin and forced the Spurs to take the desperation shot at the end of the game. Ginobili's shot hit the backboard and then rim. Gay led Memphis with 23 points, and Mike Conley (6'1''-PG-87, college: Ohio St.) had 21 points and five assists, hitting all 10 of his free throws. Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) had 18 points and 10 rebounds for his NBA-leading 24th double-double of the season. Arthur had 14, while Marc Gasol and Allen each added 10. Allen also had three steals on his 31st birthday. Conley said he even though Ginobili's last shot would go in after watching Parker's 3 tie it up in regulation. "I thought the team did a great job of not holding their head after a phenomenal shot and two missed free throws," Conley said. "We had the game in the bag, and for them to come back and make it a game and for us to still play hard and not get rattled, showed a lot of self and mental toughness." Parker finished with 30 points and five assists for the Spurs. Ginobili had 14, and Duncan and Tiago Splitter each had 13. Duncan also grabbed 15 rebounds but was 5-of-14 shooting. "It's just like a hitter who doesn't hit for a while," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "What are you going to do? You just keep shooting. He keeps playing hard whether a shot goes in or out." The Spurs came in tied with the Clippers with a league-best 28 wins, but they've struggled lately away from San Antonio, losing seven of their last nine road games. They also had won five straight against Memphis since the Grizzlies upset the Spurs as the Western Conference's No. 1 seed. Memphis had just gotten back in town from winning three straight on the road, and the Grizzlies saw a chance to chase down the Spurs for the top of the Southwest Division. San Antonio also needed overtime to beat Memphis 99-95 on Dec. 1 in the teams' first meeting this season, and this was another doozy with 14 lead changes and 11 ties. The Spurs thought they had a 100-97 lead when officials ruled goaltending on Gay on a bucket by Ginobili with 44.5 seconds left. But they overturned the ruling after reviewing the play and called jump ball between Duncan and Arthur. The Grizzlies forward won the tip, knocking it out to Conley. Gay hit the jumper on the possession to put Memphis ahead to stay. Popovich said he thought it was a good block before the review. Hollins wasn't happy his Grizzlies had to win the tip after getting a good block. The Grizzlies led 95-92 when Randolph hit two free throws with 3.5 seconds left. That was just enough time as Parker took the ball and dribbled up the left side before tossing up a 27-footer that beat the buzzer forcing overtime. "Pop told me to push it and if nobody came to help then to take it," Parker said. "We tried to send Manu and Danny (Green) ahead and nobody came to me so I just took it." Memphis outscored the Spurs 29-18 in the second quarter and led 60-48 before they started struggling offensively yet again in the third quarter. The Spurs had a 28-17 edge in the third to eat away at the Grizzlies' 12-point lead. But Memphis outscored San Antonio 27-24 in the fourth and 6-3 in overtime. Courtesy of: vivacolorado.com

New York K. - Chicago B. 101-108
Three players and a coach were not around to witness the end of the last Bulls-Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. That coach was New York's Mike Woodson, who forecasted another battle royale. "Chicago, the Celtics, Indiana teams that play defense and get after it, there will be (intense) games," he said. "I expect (this) will be no different." It turned out completely different, a walk in the park for the Bulls - for 44 minutes. But even after giving up 12 straight points late in the fourth quarter, Chicago left town with a solid 108-101 victory. "When you build a cushion," coach Tom Thibodeau said, "you can withstand things not going your way. The most important thing is getting the win." Marco Belinelli came through at the end, hitting 5 of 6 free throws and making a steal to lock up the victory. The Bulls improved to 3-0 against the Knicks, a mark that pleases native New Yorker Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) to no end. "It feels great," he said. "Everybody's locked in when we play the Knicks. It's easy to get up for games like this - big stage, playing in the Garden." Luol Deng (6'9''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) scored 33 points on 13-for-18 shooting, besting his season high of 29 that came Dec. 21 in that wild, four-point Bulls victory in New York that featured nine technical fouls. "Honestly it's not about the scoring," he said. "I just want to play well. I score for the team, but I don't go out trying to get big numbers. I never focus on one thing." Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) scored 39 points, but most came after the game was decided. And he shot just 14-for-32. " (Deng) guarded Carmelo about as well as you can," Thibodeau said. There were no scraps or technical fouls Friday, just superb basketball from the visitors, who improved to 9-1 on the road against Eastern Conference foes. The Bulls scored the game's first five points and cruised to a 57-36 halftime lead. Noah (nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, four blocks) surprised observers by reprising his "finger guns" celebration after nailing a 15-foot jumper in the first quarter. Noah had ditched that after the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn. "I just got too hyped," he said, implying he would not do it again. The Bulls allowed New York to score 41 points in the fourth quarter - and nail 11 of 17 from deep in the second half. "We opened up the 3-point line against a team that can shoot the 3," Thibodeau said. "We want to learn and improve. (But) I want to look at the game in totality." Until the late flurry, the Bulls were totally dominant, building a 101-80 lead with 3 minutes, 47 seconds to play. "I wish every game was here," Noah said. "It's the best, man." Courtesy of: chicagotribune.com

Atlanta H. - Utah Jazz 103-95
Devin Harris (6'3''-PG-83, college: Wisconsin) scored a season-high 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks rallied from a second-half deficit of 15 points to beat the Utah Jazz 103-95 on Friday night and snap a four-game losing streak. Randy Foye (6'3''-G-83, college: Villanova) had 25 points to lead Utah, which had won four of five but was denied its first back-to-back road wins of the season. Al Jefferson had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Paul Milsap had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz. The Hawks, who trailed 75-60 in the third quarter, played from behind before taking their first lead of the second half on consecutive baskets by Al Horford. The second basket by Horford, set up by Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85)'s pass, gave Atlanta a 94-92 lead with 2:44 remaining. Jefferson answered with a tying basket before Ivan Johnson scored on a fast break to give the lead back to Atlanta. Utah's Jamaal Tinsley made one of two free throws to leave the Hawks' lead at 96-95. Josh Smith's short jumper and Lou Williams' 3-pointer padded the lead. Smith had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Williams had 14, Ivan Johnson had 13 and Horford and Zaza Pachulia each had 12. Harris made his first start since missing 10 games with a sore left foot. He played 14 scoreless minutes in a loss at Cleveland on Wednesday night and then said before Friday night's game, "As far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to roll." Harris backed up his claim by making 7 of 8 shots from the field. He added five assists. Utah took its biggest lead late in the third period when a 3-pointer by Hawks rookie John Jenkins sparked an 8-1 run as Atlanta cut the lead to 76-68 entering the final period. Pachulia opened the fourth period with back-to-back baskets as the Hawks cut the deficit to four points. Harris hit a 3-pointer to cut Utah's lead to 82-79 and made only1 of 3 free throws 40 seconds later to trim the deficit to two points. The Hawks finally pulled even at 85-all with 5:48 remaining when Harris had a steal to set up his 3-pointer. Utah Jazz forward Marvin Williams, traded to Utah in the offseason following seven seasons with the Hawks, was with the team but not in uniform in his first return to Atlanta. Williams, who was held out with inflammation in his right knee, visited his former Hawks teammates before the game. Harris was acquired by Atlanta in the Williams trade. Hawks coach Larry Drew started Harris with Jeff Teague in the backcourt and Kyle Korver at small forward as he tweaked the lineup. Courtesy of: marinij.com

Brooklyn N. - Phoenix Suns 99-79
Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas) scored 19 points and Marshon Brooks (6'5''-G/F-89, college: Providence) added 17 points off the bench Friday night, leading the Brooklyn Nets to its fifth straight victory, 99-79 over the struggling Phoenix Suns. The Nets have won three straight games by 20 or more points for the first time in the team's NBA history. Deron Williams added 14 points and Andray Blatche chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds as the Nets ended a five game home losing streak against Phoenix. Jared Dudley (6'7''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) led the Suns with 18 points and Shannon Brown had 15 off the bench as Phoenix lost its fifth straight and for the 11th time in 12 games. Brooklyn trailed 53-46 at the half and looked as if the Suns were going to get their third victory on the road this season. The third quarter has troubled Brooklyn all season but they ended up turning things around this time, outscoring Phoenix 28-13 in the quarter. Brooklyn went on a 24-6 run that stretched into the fourth quarter after C.J. Watson's jumper evened it 60-all with 4:25 left in the quarter. Brooks, who filled in for Gerald Wallace, who left the game with an injury, scored the last six points of the quarter for the Nets. After both teams turned the ball over to begin the final quarter, Williams drove past Goran Dragic to make it 78-66. After a Phoenix timeout, Reggie Evans, who grabbed 15 rebounds, made a layup and Williams then found Johnson to make it 81-66. Johnson then came back with a 3-pointer to make it 84-66. The Nets held Phoenix without a basket for 4 1/2 minutes before Luis Scola's jumper with 7:28 remaining in the game made it 84-68. With 6:09 left in the first quarter, Wallace went for a dunk but P.J. Tucker contested the shot. Wallace landed on his right shoulder and laid on the floor while a Nets trainer checked on him. Wallace was able to walk off on his own to the team's locker room. X-rays were negative but he did bruise his ribs. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Boston C. - Houston R. 103-91
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half and Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F/C-76) added 17 points and four blocks as the Boston Celtics nearly blew a 17-point lead before pulling away late in a 103-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The Celtics extended their season-high winning streak to five games, but only after surviving a 12-0 run that pulled the Rockets within two points midway through the fourth quarter. Rajon Rondo finished with 12 points and eight assists for the Celtics. Courtney Lee and Jared Sullinger scored 14 apiece and Sullinger also had 11 rebounds for his second straight double-double. James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) scored 24 and Chandler Parsons (6'9''-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) added 18 for Houston, which fell to 0-2 during a three-game road trip that concludes Saturday in Philadelphia. The Rockets had won five straight and 10 of 12 before starting the trip with a loss at New Orleans on Wednesday. After struggling through the first three quarters, Houston put together one big surge in the fourth quarter that stunned the Celtics and their fans - but only for a little while. Harden, Parsons and Jeremy Lin, who scored 12, were the only Houston players to finish in double figures. The Rockets trailed by 17 in the third quarter and fell behind 80-66 when Garnett opened the final period with a turnaround jumper. He drew a foul on another turnaround with 10:44 remaining and converted the three-point play to put Boston ahead 83-69. Houston then snapped out of its funk, scoring 12 straight over the next 3:42 and pulling to 83-81 when Parsons leaped for an unlikely dunk that barely cleared the rim. Carlos Delfino started the run with a 3-pointer and Parsons caught Boston off-guard during a series of fast breaks, pulling up from beyond the arc and getting the Rockets to 83-77. Harden followed that with a steal and took it in for a dunk as the Rockets continued chipping away at Boston's formerly large lead. Houston could not keep up the frenzied pace and the Celtics regained control with a 9-2 run following Parsons' dunk. Pierce scored the first eight points of the third quarter, starting with back-to-back 3-pointers and adding two free throws 1:44 into the period to put the Celtics up 61-45. Pierce added two more points on a field goal with 9:20 left as Boston stretched its opening run to 11-2 and led 64-47. The Rockets scored seven straight to pull within 10, but Boston was off and running again on a 10-2 run. Rondo started it with an offensive rebound and putback, then Avery Bradley hit a 3-pointer for his first bucket of the night after missing his first five shots. Courtesy of: myfoxphilly.com

Toronto R. - Charlotte B. 99-78
Alan Anderson (6'6''-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) sank four 3-pointers en route to a game-high 16 points as the Toronto Raptors rolled over the Charlotte Bobcats, 99-78, at Air Canada Centre. Jose Manuel Calderon (6'4''-PG-81) followed with 15 points and six assists, while Amir Johnson and Ed Davis contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Toronto, which has won two straight and 10 of its last 13 overall. Michael Kidd-Gilchrest, Kemba Walker (6'1''-PG-90, college: Connecticut) and Ben Gordon scored 12 points apiece to pace the Bobcats, who have dropped two straight and three of their last four. "They play solid basketball," Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap said about Toronto. "They share the ball freely and they were able to find the paint. That's a tremendous coach over there and he stresses defense." Toronto opened the game with a 10-2 run to take a lead they would not lose as the Bobcats struggled offensively, connecting on just one of their first eight shots from the floor. A Kidd-Gilchrist layup followed by a Hakim Warrick dunk snapped the drought before Calderon's 3-pointer sparked a streak of nine straight points by the Raptors to put them ahead, 19-6. Charlotte would get no closer than nine points from there and trailed, 29-16, heading into the second quarter, where Toronto's lead stretched as high as 41-20 four minutes into the frame on an Anderson triple. The Raptors maintained at least a 14-point edge from there and went into the break holding a 53-39 advantage. Charlotte was held to just 39.5 percent (15-for-38) shooting in the first half, while Toronto shot 48.8 percent (21-for-43) from the floor and converted eight Bobcat turnovers into 10 points. Charlotte never threatened in the second half, getting no closer than 14 points throughout the third quarter and 17 points in the fourth. "The hardest thing to do in this league is to play with a lead," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. "You have to move the ball every play and keep playing with the same effort on every play." Courtesy of: foxnews.com

Golden St.W. - Portland TB 103-97
Portland Trail Blazers rookie point guard Damian Lillard (6'2''-PG-90, college: Weber St.), playing his first game in his hometown as a pro Friday night, said he felt "proud." He said this experience has illustrated how much he has meant to his city. He put on an impressive show, too, scoring a career-high 37 points, but the Warriors rode 24 points from David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) to a 103-97 win over the Blazers. It wasn't far-fetched that Oracle Arena could have been Lillard's home court, especially with Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson)'s health still uncertain as of last June's NBA draft. The Blazers selected Lillard, from Oakland High and Weber State, with the No. 6 overall pick, one spot ahead of the Warriors' selection of small forward Harrison Barnes. "I definitely thought it was a possibility," Lillard said about becoming a Warrior. "I thought we could play together. I thought me and him could be on the floor at the same time the same way they do it with he and (Jarrett) Jack." No doubt, Golden State was high on Lillard. The Warriors still didn't know what would become of Curry's troublesome right ankle. So if Lillard had made it to the No. 7 spot, some tough discussions would have taken place in the Warriors' draft room -- even if Barnes was still on the board. "Damian Lillard is a very good player with a bright, bright future," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "We knew it at the draft, and he has certainly done everything to show that people had the right assessment of his ability. He's a high character kid, tough, has no flaws on the floor." Lillard's numbers are quite similar to Curry's. Lillard entered Friday's game averaging 18 points, 6.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds. Curry was at 20.2 points, 6.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Being statistically on par with Curry, who is in his fourth season and being mentioned as a possible All-Star, is certainly good company for the rookie. But perhaps even more impressive is that he's been a leader for a young Blazers squad that entered Wednesday five games above .500. His play has him as the front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year and people talking about him as the next version of Gary Payton and Jason Kidd, also Oakland products. "I feel like I'm the next one in line that has this opportunity, so I've got to cherish," Lillard said. "I've got to carry on that Oakland point guard legacy." Courtesy of: mercurynews.com

Milwaukee B. - Detroit P. 87-103
Greg Monroe (6'11''-C-90, college: Georgetown) had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Brandon Knight added 20 points and the Detroit Pistons beat Milwaukee 103-87 on Friday night to hand interim coach Jim Boylan his first loss with the Bucks. Detroit led 74-60 going into the fourth quarter and squashed any hope of a Bucks comeback when Monroe scored on a hook shot, layup and dunk and Knight added a 3-pointer as the lead grew to 83-62 with 9:57 to play. Rodney Stuckey (6'5''-PG-86, college: E.Washington)'s 3 gave the Pistons another 21-point lead with 2:48 to go, and the Bucks didn't get closer than 14 again. Brandon Jennings (6'0''-PG-89) and Beno Udrih each had 15 points for Milwaukee. On Monday, the Bucks and coach Scott Skiles mutually decided to part ways. Boylan, a longtime NBA assistant who had been with Skiles in Phoenix and Chicago, took over and won his first game in charge Tuesday when the Bucks beat Phoenix 108-99. Then, after trailing by 15, Milwaukee rallied to win 104-96 at Chicago on Wednesday. The Pistons improved to 4-14 on the road and snapped a three-game losing streak in Milwaukee. Rookie big man Andre Drummond, who had 11 rebounds for Detroit, has at least 10 boards in six of his last seven games. Detroit hadn't played since Sunday when the Charlotte Bobcats' 108-101 victory snapped its four-game winning streak. The Pistons had been allowing 100.1 points per game on the road. Milwaukee helped out by shooting 39.6 percent. Knight and Monroe keyed a third-quarter attack that had the Pistons dominating the Bucks. Detroit outscored Milwaukee 33-11 in the quarter and led by 14 entering the fourth. The Pistons erased a 49-41 halftime deficit with a 23-5 run and took a 64-54 lead on Knight's three free throws. Brandon Jennings was called for a foul on Knight and picked up a technical arguing the call. Knight made the technical and then the two free throws. He led the comeback with 10 points and Monroe added eight. The Bucks' bench provided most of the energy during a 14-0 spurt midway through the second quarter. Ersan Ilyasova's baseline layup capped the surge and gave Milwaukee a 42-31 lead. Udrih keyed the attack, scoring seven points while John Henson added four. Udrih's falling-down jumper in traffic gave Milwaukee a 49-39 margin. Knight's floater just before the half ended made it 49-41. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

N.Orleans H. - Minnesota T. 104-92
The Hornets came back from an 18-point first quarter deficit Friday night to overcome the injury-plagued Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-92. The win at home is the fourth straight victory for the Hornets, and the fifth in the past six games. It's their longest winning streak since April of 2012 The first quarter was a study in frustration for the Hornets, who turned the ball over seven times and were outscored 29-14 on only 35.3% shooting. This despite Minnesota's thin roster - the Timberwolves came into the game tonight with just ten healthy players, and fresh off a 22-point loss in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Timberwolves were also missing Head Coach Rick Adelman, who stayed behind in Minnesota to be with his hospitalized wife. The Hornets managed to come into their stride in the 2nd quarter, going on a 19-8 run before the half. Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson both knocked down 3-pointers in the last minutes of the half, helping bring the score within six, 46-40, going into the 3rd. During the 3rd, the Hornets grinded the Timberwolves on both sides of the court. New Orleans kept Minnesota to only 25% shooting, 4-16 from the field, and shot 56% in turn. New Orleans also controlled the paint, outscoring their opponents 20-4 under the rim, with Greivis Vasquez (6'6''-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) passing out seven assists to the Hornets bigs. Vasquez passed out 13 assists total, and scored 18 points. This is his twelfth double-double this season, and his fifth in the last 6 games. The Hornets tied it up with a big Anthony Davis slam with 6:29 left to go in the 3rd, and never looked back. In the second half, the Hornets out-rebounded the Timberwolves 26-14, and held them to 38.2% from the field. Three different players came off the New Orleans bench to rack up 10-plus points, including 21 points in the final period. Jason Smith shot perfectly in the 4th, scoring 12 points, pulling in three rebounds and sealing the Hornets victory. 'You have to stay focused. You just have to stay in the game plan,' said Hornets' Forward Ryan Anderson after the game. 'They were missing a few guys, so they got a little [tired] in that second half. We wanted to make sure to run them and just stay with our scheme, eliminate their easy points in the paint. We did a great job of that.' 'It seemed like at times some guys had heavy legs, and it is what it is,' said Timberwolves Assistant Coach Terry Porter after the game, when asked about whether the team was starting to feel a bit of strain with so many players injured. 'Until we start getting some guys back, this is what we have, and everybody has to do more.' Al-Farouq Aminu (6'9''-F-90, college: Wake Forest) scored his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Aminu has racked up 46 rebounds in his last four games. All five of the Timberwolves starters scored in the double digits, lead by Luke Ridnour (6'2''-PG-81, college: Oregon) with 20 points, four assists and four rebounds. The Timberwolves were without four players tonight, including Forward Kevin Love and Guard J.J Barea. Love broke his hand for the second time this season in a game against the Denver Nuggets last week. He is expected to be out for 8-10 weeks as he recovers. Before the injury, Love was averaging 18.3 points and 14 rebounds per game. Barea was suffering back spasms; he averages 10.7 points and 4.4 assists a game. Recently-returned Minnesota Guard Ricky Rubio only scored three points and three assists in 21:32 minutes off the bench. With tonight's victory the Hornets (11-25) finish out a three game homestand. They are set to start an East Coast road trip in Sunday, flying out to face New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Courtesy of: wwno.org

Atlanta 103, Utah 95 - by Milord Nikolic

Ivan Johnson hit the go-ahead layup with 1:22 remaining as host Atlanta rallied to beat Utah and halt a five-game losing skid. Devin Harris had a season-high 24 points and Josh Smith added 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Hawks, who trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half. Lou Williams contributed 14 points in a reserve role as Atlanta shot 55.6 percent from the field. Randy Foye knocked down six 3-pointers as part of a 25-point effort for the Jazz, who lost for just the second time in the past six games. Al Jefferson added 23 points and 10 rebounds and Paul Millsap chipped in 20 points and 13 boards. Foye hit four 3-pointers to guide the Jazz to a 47-43 halftime lead, and continued his hot outside shooting in the third quarter. He led off the period with a 3-pointer from the left sideline, then connected from the same spot just over nine minutes later to extend the lead to 15. Atlanta closed the quarter on an 8-1 run and carried that momentum into the fourth, closing to within a pair on Harris' three-point play with 4:22 remaining. Johnson's running layup put the Hawks ahead, Smith's 18-footer stretched the advantage inside the final minute and Williams put the game away with a long 3-pointer with 29 seconds left.

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NBLCANADA

Best players of NBLCanada NBL Canada round 20 - by Eurobasket News

American Quinnel Brown (198-F-83) had a very impressive game in the last round for Halifax R. and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 29-year old forward had a double-double of 19 points and twelve rebounds, while his team beat St.John M.R. (11-12) 102-89. Halifax R. is placed at 4th position in NBLCanada NBL Canada. Halifax R. is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 11-12 record. Brown turned to be Halifax R.'s top player in his first season with the team. Auburn University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Brown is in league's top in rebounds (6th best: 7.7rpg) and averages solid 51.0% FGP and 44.4% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old Ghanian guard Papa Oppong (193-G-87) of Oshawa P.. Oppong impressed basketball fans with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. It was enough for Oshawa P. to edge the lower-ranked Moncton M. (#6, 11-15) by 2 points 102-100. Oshawa P.'s 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 12-9 record is not bad at all. Oppong is a newcomer at Oshawa P. and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. Eastern Kentucky University alumni Oppong played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas.

The third best performed player last round was American Oliver McNally (190-G) of Moncton M. (#6). McNally showcased his all-around game by recording 19 points, six rebounds and six assists in the last round. Despite McNally's great performance Moncton M. lost 100-102 to the higher-ranked Oshawa P. (#3, 12-9). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Moncton M. ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 15 games, recording just eleven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, McNally could help Moncton M. to bring them higher in the standings. McNally has a great season in NBL. After 25 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 7.0apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Elvin Mims (196-F-79) of London L. - 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Hillary Haley (198-G-88) of Halifax R. - 15 points and 8 rebounds
6. Larry Diamond (188-G-86) of Oshawa P. - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Anthony Anderson (180-G-81) of St.John M.R. - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists
8. Jeremy Williams (200-SF-87) of London L. - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Sylvania Watkins (206-F-84) of Moncton M. - 9 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Cedric Moodie (187-G-78) of Halifax R. - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Montreal Jazz Release Trio - by Surujh Roopnarine

The Montreal Jazz of the Canada NBL have released three players; David Yul Michel (6'2''-G-80), Sani Ibrahim (6'10''-C-82, college: Gulf Coast CC) and Dwayne Buckley (6'3''-G/F-83).
David Yul Michel, a 6-2 guard out of Brandon University (CIS) appeared in 9 games this season, averaging 6.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals.
Dwayne Buckley, a 6-3 guard/forward, appeared in 9 games averaging 5.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Sani Ibrahim, a 6-10 veteran center from Nigeria, was placed on injured reserve on January 3 prior to being waived. In 17 games this season he averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field and 57.6% from the free-throw line.
The Jazz, currently 2-18 on the season, will host the Windsor Express (10-12) tonight in Round 20 action.

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NCAA1

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings

1. Indiana		2-0 (14-1)
2. Louisville		2-0 (14-1)
3. Kentucky		1-0 (10-4)
4. Ohio St.		2-1 (12-2)
5. Michigan		3-0 (15-0)
6. N.Carolina St.		2-0 (12-2)
7. Kansas		1-0 (13-1)
8. Duke		2-0 (14-0)
9. Syracuse		3-0 (15-1)
10. Florida		1-0 (11-2)
11. Arizona		2-1 (13-1)
12. N.Carolina		0-2 (10-5)
13. UCLA		3-0 (13-3)
14. Michigan St.		2-1 (13-2)
15. Creighton		4-0 (15-1)
16. Memphis		1-0 (11-3)
17. Missouri		1-0 (12-2)
18. Baylor		2-0 (10-4)
19. UNLV		0-1 (13-3)
20. San Diego St.		1-0 (12-1)
21. Wisconsin		2-0 (11-3)
22. Gonzaga		3-0 (16-1)
23. Notre Dame		2-0 (14-1)
24. Florida St.		2-0 (10-5)
25. Texas		0-2 (8-7)

Regular Season: Round 62

Jan. 11: N.Kentucky - Lipscomb 67-53
Jan. 11: Utah St. - San Jose St. 66-60
Jan. 11: Loyola, MD - Fairfield 63-58 OT
Jan. 11: Loyola, IL - Wright St. 61-62
Jan. 11: St.Peter''s - Niagara 58-77
Jan. 11: Siena - Canisius 57-54
Jan. 11: Missouri St. - Creighton 52-74

Regular Season: Round 63

Jan. 12: St.John's - Georgetown
Jan. 12: Syracuse - Villanova
Jan. 12: Clemson - Virginia
Jan. 12: Indiana - Minnesota
Jan. 12: Pittsburgh - Marquette
Jan. 12: Morgan St. - S.Carolina St.
Jan. 12: N.Carolina St. - Duke
Jan. 12: LIU Brooklyn - Mt.St.Mary's
Jan. 12: Towson - Northeastern
Jan. 12: Georgia St. - Delaware
Jan. 12: Nebraska-Omaha - W.Illinois
Jan. 12: Baylor - TCU
Jan. 12: Alabama - Tennessee
Jan. 12: VMI - Winthrop
Jan. 12: S.Dakota St. - IPFW
Jan. 12: New Orleans - Champion Baptist
Jan. 12: S.Carolina - Auburn
Jan. 12: W.Virginia - Kansas St.
Jan. 12: Georgia - Mississippi St.
Jan. 12: Dayton - Butler
Jan. 12: Lehigh - Holy Cross
Jan. 12: Brown - Daniel Webster
Jan. 12: NC-Asheville - Radford
Jan. 12: W.Carolina - NC-Greensboro
Jan. 12: Notre Dame - Connecticut
Jan. 12: La Salle - Richmond
Jan. 12: Longwood - Charleston So.
Jan. 12: Rhode Island - Charlotte
Jan. 12: W.Michigan - Ohio
Jan. 12: Colorado - UCLA
Jan. 12: N.Iowa - Bradley
Jan. 12: Yale - Oberlin
Jan. 12: Ball St. - Kent St.
Jan. 12: Colgate - American
Jan. 12: Wisc.-Milwaukee - Valparaiso
Jan. 12: Lafayette - Navy
Jan. 12: Stony Brook - Hartford
Jan. 12: Florida St. - N.Carolina
Jan. 12: N.Mexico - Fresno St.
Jan. 12: Iowa St. - Texas
Jan. 12: Cornell - Old Westbury
Jan. 12: Wisconsin - Illinois
Jan. 12: Georgia Tech - Virginia Tech
Jan. 12: St.Mary's, CA - USF
Jan. 12: Oklahoma - Oklahoma St.
Jan. 12: Quinnipiac - Sacred Heart
Jan. 12: Pepperdine - San Diego
Jan. 12: Santa Clara - BYU
Jan. 12: S.Mississippi - Houston
Jan. 12: Loyola Mary - Portland
Jan. 12: N.Dakota - Montana St.
Jan. 12: Vermont - UMBC
Jan. 12: SMU - Tulane
Jan. 12: Jacksonville - Mercer
Jan. 12: Cent.Conn.St. - Bryant
Jan. 12: Kentucky - Texas A&M
Jan. 12: Louisville - S.Florida
Jan. 12: NJIT - Chicago St.
Jan. 12: Md-E Shore - Norfolk St.
Jan. 12: Hofstra - William & Mary
Jan. 12: Wake Forest - Boston Coll.
Jan. 12: Coppin St. - Savannah St.
Jan. 12: Dartmouth - Harvard
Jan. 12: Texas Tech - Kansas
Jan. 12: McNeese St. - Sam Houston St.
Jan. 12: Wagner - St.Francis, NY
Jan. 12: JMU - Drexel
Jan. 12: E.Tenn.St. - Florida Gulf Coast
Jan. 12: LSU - Florida
Jan. 12: Boston U. - Binghamton
Jan. 12: St.Bonaventure - VCU
Jan. 12: Xavier - G.Washington
Jan. 12: Beth.-Cookman - N.Carolina A&T
Jan. 12: California - Washington St.
Jan. 12: Howard - Hampton
Jan. 12: N.Illinois - Akron
Jan. 12: Furman - Davidson
Jan. 12: Appalachian St. - Elon
Jan. 12: N.Florida - Kennesaw St.
Jan. 12: Cleveland St. - Detroit Mercy
Jan. 12: Cent.Arkansas - Northwestern St.
Jan. 12: N.Dakota St. - Oakland
Jan. 12: Texas St. - Texas Arlington
Jan. 12: E.Carolina - Cent.Florida
Jan. 12: Belmont - Tenn-Martin
Jan. 12: SE Louisiana - Nicholls St.
Jan. 12: Southern - Ark.-Pine Bluff
Jan. 12: USC Upstate - Stetson
Jan. 12: La-Monroe - Middle Tenn.St.
Jan. 12: Alcorn St. - Miss.Valley St.
Jan. 12: Prairie View A&M - Grambling St.
Jan. 12: Florida A&M - N.C.Central
Jan. 12: Utah - USC
Jan. 12: Nevada - Wyoming
Jan. 12: Bowling Green - E.Michigan
Jan. 12: Arkansas - Vanderbilt
Jan. 12: Temple - St.Louis
Jan. 12: Princeton - Pennsylvania
Jan. 12: Tulsa - Rice
Jan. 12: Wofford - Georgia South
Jan. 12: Alabama A&M - Alabama St.
Jan. 12: E.Illinois - Jacksonville St.
Jan. 12: UTSA - Louisiana Tech
Jan. 12: Toledo - Cent.Michigan
Jan. 12: Fair Dickinson - St.Francis, PA
Jan. 12: Charleston - Chattanooga
Jan. 12: Lamar - Texas A&M-CC
Jan. 12: Monmouth - Robert Morris
Jan. 12: Buffalo - Miami, OH
Jan. 12: Duquesne - St.Joseph's
Jan. 12: Liberty - Co.Carolina
Jan. 12: High Point - Gardner-Webb
Jan. 12: E.Kentucky - Morehead St.
Jan. 12: Bucknell - Army
Jan. 12: NC-Wilmington - George Mason
Jan. 12: Long Beach St. - Hawaii
Jan. 12: Citadel - Samford
Jan. 12: Seattle - Denver
Jan. 12: Albany - Maine
Jan. 12: Presbyterian - Campbell
Jan. 12: Rutgers - Cincinnati
Jan. 12: N.Texas - S.Alabama
Jan. 12: UALR - FIU
Jan. 12: Tennessee St. - SE Missouri St.
Jan. 12: UTPA - Fisher
Jan. 12: Illinois St. - Drake
Jan. 12: W.Kentucky - Florida Atlantic
Jan. 12: SIU Edwardsville - Tenn Tech
Jan. 12: Mississippi - Missouri
Jan. 12: S.Dakota - UMKC
Jan. 12: Green Bay - Ill.-Chicago
Jan. 12: S.Illinois - Indiana St.
Jan. 12: La-Lafayette - Arkansas St.
Jan. 12: Austin Peay St. - Murray St.
Jan. 12: ORU - SF Austin
Jan. 12: UAB - Memphis
Jan. 12: Texas Southern - Jackson St.
Jan. 12: UTEP - Marshall
Jan. 12: San Diego St. - Colorado St.
Jan. 12: N.Colorado - Montana
Jan. 12: Utah Valley - Houston Baptist
Jan. 12: S.Utah - Idaho St.
Jan. 12: E.Washington - Sacramento St.
Jan. 12: CS Fullerton - Cal-Riverside
Jan. 12: Oregon St. - Arizona
Jan. 12: Cal-Irvine - CS Northridge
Jan. 12: Cal-Davis - UCSB
Jan. 12: UNLV - Air Force
Jan. 12: Pacific - Cal Poly - SLO
Jan. 12: Idaho - N.Mexico St.
Jan. 12: Portland St. - N.Arizona
Jan. 12: Stanford - Washington

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

James KINNEY
  San J.
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Kinney, San J.	20.6
2. Burrage, UTSA	16.5
3. Medlin, Utah St.	16.4
4. Wright, Texas St.	15.9
5. Barone, Idaho	15.3
6. Mullings, N.Mexico.	15.3
7. Madison, Idaho	15.2
8. Appleby, Louisian.	14.5
9. Hill, UTSA	13.6
10. O''Neale, Denver	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Chris CUNNINGHAM
  San J.
  (206-F-90)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Cunningham, San J.	9.1
2. Reves, Texas A.	8.8
3. Shaw, Utah St.	8.7
4. Edwards, Texas A.	8.5
5. Barone, Idaho	8.4
6. Sunderhaus, Seatt.	7.3
7. Sy, N.Mexico St.	6.9
8. Wright, Texas St.	6.8
9. Reed, Utah St.	6.8
10. Hill, UTSA	6.7

Assists Per Game

Kenneth SMITH
  Louisiana Tech
  (190-G-93)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Smith, Louisiana T.	5.1
2. Brown, San J.	4.6
3. Obasi, Seattle	4.3
4. Jones, Texas St.	3.5
5. Udofia, Denver	3.4
6. O''Neale, Denver	3.3
7. Medlin, Utah St.	3.3
8. Pickett, Seattle	3.2
9. Davis, Utah St.	3.1
10. Ross-Miller, N.Me.	3.0

Steals Per Game

James KINNEY
  San J.
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kinney, San J.	2.4
2. Smith, Louisiana T.	2.3
3. Hallam, Denver	2.2
4. Davis, Texas St.	2.2
5. Mullings, N.Mexico.	2.1
6. Butler, Texas A.	1.7
7. O''Neale, Denver	1.7
8. Reed, Utah St.	1.7
9. Sims, UTSA	1.5
10. Jones, Texas St.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Michale KYSER
  Louisian.
  (206-F-91)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Kyser, Louisian.	3.3
2. Reves, Texas A.	2.6
3. Brown, San J.	2.4
4. Udofia, Denver	2.1
5. Reed, Utah St.	1.9
6. Bhullar, N.Mexico.	1.7
7. Barone, Idaho	1.3
8. Shaw, Utah St.	1.3
9. Staff, Texas St.	1.1
10. Dixon, N.Mexico.	0.8

Creighton 74, Missouri St. 52 - by Milord Nikolic

Doug McDermott poured in a season-high 39 points as the Bluejays pulled away in the second half to earn a road victory over the Bears. Creighton (16-1, 5-0 Missouri Valley) trailed 25-23 with 3:52 to play in the first half but closed on a 9-2 run to take a 32-27 halftime lead. McDermott then scored the Bluejays' first 18 points of the second half as Creighton pushed out to a 50-32 advantage with 12:53 to play. Missouri State closed to within 14 with 9:38 to go, but McDermott had 10 points in a 12-5 run that boosted the margin to 21 with just under five minutes to play. McDermott hit 15 of 19 field-goal attempts, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, and also grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds. Jahenns Manigat added 11 points for the Bluejays, who shot 57.4 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from 3-point range. Keith Pickens led Missouri State (5-12, 3-2) with 11 points, while Anthony Downing and Gavin Thurman each chipped in with 10.

Big Ten Spotlight on Glenn Robinson III - by Carl Berman

Michigan has convincingly shown that they are not only one of the better teams in the Big Ten, but also in the entire NCAA. Surprisingly, enough no team in the Big Ten is getting more scoring production from freshmen than the Wolverines, accounting for almost 47% of their total offense.

Making the most impact on the Wolverines is small forward Glenn Robinson (6'6''-F-94) III. While the 66 small forward doesnt lead the Michigan freshmen in points (that honor goes to Nik Stauskas at 13.5 ppg), he has made more of an overall impact on the teams 15-0 start beyond his 12.5 ppg).

An impressive athlete with above average speed and leaping ability, Robinson has shown a diverse offensive arsenal, being able to score from the perimeter and inside the paint. Not know as a great shooter coming-into college, he has worked hard at refining his shooting stroke and has proven to be a threat, not only in his mid-range game, but also beyond the three-point arc (38% 3PT%). What has been very impressive, is the maturity level he shows within the set offense, rarely forcing up a shot and showing a willingness to share the basketball.

Robinson isnt just an offensive threat, but also has value on the defensive side of the ball. His quick hops and length has allowed him to co-lead the Wolverines with 6.1 rpg, including a team-high 38 offensive rebounds. He is also second on the team in steals, despite committing very few fouls.

Despite the stat-stuffing numbers that Robinson has been able to put-up in his debut season, coach John Beilein would like him to improve his ball-handling skills and show more consistency with his on-ball defense. A strong work ethic likely ensures that will happen, and could catapult him into one of the better small forwards in the NCAA.

As a prep-player, it might have been a stretch to think Robinson would have been able to follow in his father, Glenn Robinson, Jr.s footsteps into the NBA, but not only is that a reality, it is very possible that he joins his father as a first-round NBA Draft pick.

Week one of conference play exposed a few teams, but also proved that 10 of the 12 teams are capable of winning at home on any given night. The premier match-ups for this week, include Minnesota @ Illinois on Jan 9, Minnesota @ Indiana on Jan 12, and Michigan @ Ohio State on Jan 13.

Big Ten Power Rankings

1. Michigan 2. Indiana 3. Minnesota 4. Illinois 5. Ohio State 6. Michigan State 7. Iowa 8. Wisconsin 9. Nebraska 10. Purdue 11. Northwestern 12. Penn State

Deric McKamey is a Midwest Scout for NetScouts Basketball and covers the Big Ten.

Iona and lamont jones does it again - by Allen Waters

-Iona continues to lead the MAAC, mainly thanks to Lamont Momo Jones, who I interviewed earlier this season. He went 10-17 from the field with 26 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals in the Gaels 86-82 win at Marist. Hes averaging 23 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the floor and seems to be one of the most overlooked players in the country. Since jones left Arizona he has improved his game as a point guard and overall player and leader. Jones look to keep Iona on the right path during a conference play. Jones Lamont (6'0''-G)

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NEW ZEALAND

Kirk Penney selected the top New Zealander playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing New Zealand players, who play currently abroad.

Kirk Penney

#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international guard Kirk Penney (196-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin, currently plays in Turkey), who plays in the Turkish TBL. He could not help TED Kolejliler (8-6) in their last game on Monday. Despite Penney's very good performance TED Kolejliler was defeated 69-64 at home by the much lower-ranked Besiktas (#14). He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Penney also added 8 rebounds. It's Penney's first season with the team. Penney is ranked third on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Penney averages: 18.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 55.7%(39-70), 3FGP: 46.5%(40-86) and FT: 83.7%. He played for the New Zealand senior national team two years ago.

Isaac Fotu

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Isaac Fotu (203-93, currently plays college basketball in the States). Fotu led Hawaii to a 2-point victory against the California State University, Fullerton (2-1) 90-88 in the NCAA on Thursday night. He scored 29 points (!!!) and grabbed 9 rebounds in 35 minutes. The University of Hawaii has 2-1 conference record this season. Fotu has very impressive stats this year: 18.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 55.7%(39-70), 3FGP: 46.5%(40-86) and FT: 83.7% in the 13 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Tongan and New Zealand. Fotu is in the roster of the New Zealand senior national team.

Thomas Abercrombie

#3. The New Zealand player who performed third best last week abroad was former international swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St., currently plays in Australia). He led New Zealand Breakers to a victory over the league outsider Townsville Crocodiles (5-11) 82-78 in the Australian NBL in Friday night's game. Abercrombie was MVP of the game. He scored 19 points. New Zealand Breakers (13-3) are placed first in the NBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Abercrombie is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in New Zealand Breakers' roster. Abercrombie's overall stats this season are: 9.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 41.3%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 69.4%. He played for the New Zealand national team two years ago.

Alex Pledger

#4. Center Alex Pledger (213-87, college: Belm.Abbey, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. But that was another game of his team in Australian NBL which we would like to mention. Pledger was the major contributor in a 2-point New Zealand Breakers' victory against the closely-ranked Wollongong Hawks (8-7) 78-76. He recorded 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 20 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. New Zealand Breakers (13-3) are placed first in the NBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Pledger has been at the team for four years. Pledger is currently first on the league's list of best blockers with 1.7bpg. This year he also averages: 9.4ppg and 6.3rpg in the 16 games. Pledger is also New Zealand national team player.

Mika Vukona

#5. International forward Mika Vukona (198-82, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie and both played together in the last Australian NBL game. Vukona contributed to a New Zealand Breakers' victory against the league outsider Townsville Crocodiles (5-11) 82-78. He scored 8 points, grabbed 8 boards, dished 5 assists and stole 3 balls. Vukona's overall stats this season are: 6.9ppg, 6.8rpg and 2.1apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Fijian and New Zealand. Vukona plays currently for the New Zealand national team.

Robert Loe

#6. Forward Robert Loe (211-91, currently studies in the States) helped St.Louis win their game against the University of Massachusetts (0-1) 70-62 in the NCAA in Thursday night's game. He recorded 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 27 minutes. The Saint Louis University has 1-0 conference record this season. This year Loe's overall stats are: 6.9ppg, 6.8rpg and 2.1apg in the 16 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior New Zealand National Team roster.

Everard Bartlett

#7. International guard Everard Bartlett (193-86, currently plays in Australia) helped Perth Wildcats win their game against the sixth-ranked Cairns Taipans (5-10) 85-66 in the Australian NBL last Saturday. Bartlett recorded 9 points. Perth Wildcats (10-4) are placed second in the NBL. Bartlett's total stats this season are: 5.2ppg and 1.6rpg. He is also New Zealand national team player.

Leon Henry

#8. Swingman Leon Henry (200-85, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Mika Vukona (above) in the other team. Henry helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against the league outsider Townsville Crocodiles (5-11) 82-78. He scored 8 points in only 11 minutes. This year Henry's total stats are: 2.9ppg and 2.2rpg in the 15 games. He plays currently for the New Zealand national team.

Dillon Boucher

#9. Former international forward Dillon Boucher (196-75, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Leon Henry (above) in the other team. Boucher helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against the league outsider Townsville Crocodiles (5-11) 82-78. He scored 6 points. Boucher plays fifth season for the team. Boucher has averaged so far 2.8ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.9apg. He used to play for the New Zealand national team six years ago.

Jeremiah Trueman

   #10. Power forward Jeremiah Trueman (204-87, college: Alaska-Anch., currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Everard Bartlett and both played together in the last Australian NBL game. Trueman managed to help Perth Wildcats to win against the sixth-ranked Cairns Taipans (5-10) 85-66. He recorded only 3 points. Trueman has averaged so far 3.6ppg and 2.1rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior New Zealand National Team roster.

   #11. Former international guard Corey Webster (188-88, college: Lambuth, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Alex Pledger (above) in the other team. Webster helped New Zealand Breakers edge the closely-ranked Wollongong Hawks 78-76. He recorded only 3 points in 9 minutes on the court. Webster has averaged so far 5.6ppg and 1.6rpg in the 12 games. He used to play for the New Zealand national team two years ago.

   #12. Former international power forward Steven Adams (213-93, is currently at the American university) helped Pittsburgh win their game against the Georgetown University crushing them 73-45 in the NCAA last Tuesday. Adams scored 6 points and blocked 3 blocks. Adams has averaged so far 5.6ppg and 1.6rpg. He used to play for the New Zealand national team back in 2011.

The list of other players, who all have New Zealand passport but never been selected to any of New Zealand national teams:

   #1. Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St., currently plays in Adriatic League), who plays in Slovenia could not help Un.Olimpija (8-8) in their last game. Despite his good performance Un.Olimpija lost 56-70 at home to the second-ranked Zvezda. Baynes had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks and 4 steals in 35 minutes. It's Baynes' first season with the team. Baynes is currently sixth on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this year: 12.4ppg and 6.8rpg in the 16 games he played so far. Baynes has a dual citizenship: Australian and New Zealand.

   #2. Marcel Jones (203-F-85, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Romania) was not able to help Pitesti (7-9) in their game against Oradea (15-1) in the Romanian Liga Nationala, despite his very good performance last Wednesday. Jones was the second best scorer with 13 points in 22 minutes. But Pitesti lost 74-81 on their home court in Pitesti to the leading Oradea. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Jones has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.4apg and 1.9spg in the 16 games. Jones is a naturalized American. He used to play for McDonalds Manawatu Jets in New Zealand league.

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NIGERIA

Josh-Emmanuel Akognon's 35 points make him top Nigerian player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Nigerian players, who play currently abroad.

Josh-Emmanuel Akognon

#1. This week's number one is former international point guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton, currently plays in China), who plays in the Chinese CBA. Akognon could not help Liaoning Hunters (12-7) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his very good performance Liaoning Hunters were badly defeated 124-105 on the road by the second-ranked Beijing Ducks. Akognon was the top scorer with 35 points. He also added 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists. It's Akognon's first season with the team. Akognon is currently third on the league's list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Akognon averages: 31.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 52.6%, 3FGP: 36.6% and FT: 85.2%. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Akognon played for the Nigerian senior national team four years ago.

Ike Diogu

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St., currently plays in China). Diogu led Guandong Tigers to a 3-point victory over the 14th-ranked Jiangsu Dragons (7-12) 113-110 in the Chinese CBA in Friday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Diogu scored 29 points (!!!) and grabbed 6 rebounds. Guangdong Southern Tigers (17-3) are placed first in the CBA. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. This season Diogu has very high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 2FGP: 60.7%(108-178), 3FGP: 12.5% and FT: 85.0%. Diogu is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. He is in the roster of the Nigerian senior national team.

Ike Ofoegbu

#3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU, currently plays in Mexico). He was the major contributor in Toros' victory against the eighth-ranked Huracanes (22-17) 89-83 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Thursday night's game. Ofoegbu scored 19 points, had 7 rebounds, passed 3 assists and added 2 blocks. Toros Nuevo Laredo (31-9) is placed fourth in the LNBP. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This season Ofoegbu has very high stats. He averages: 16.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 60.8%(166-273), 3FGP: 33.0% and FT: 68.8%. Ofoegbu has both American and Nigerian nationalities. He played for the Nigerian national team two years ago.

Michael Umeh

#4. Point guard Michael Umeh (188-84, agency: Two Points, college: UNLV, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to help Pall.Trento (5-8) in their last game. Despite Umeh's very good performance Pall.Trento was edged 87-84 in Forli by the higher-ranked (#7) LeGamberi Foods Forl�. He was the second best scorer with 22 points. Umeh also added 5 rebounds in 33 minutes. It was Pall.Trento's fifth consecutive loss in a row. Umeh has very impressive stats this year: 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.7apg in the 13 games he played so far. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Umeh used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2011.

Benjamin Eze

#5. Former international power forward Benjamin Eze (207-81, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Euroleague) managed to help Montepaschi Siena in a victory against the seventh-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (0-3) 98-92 in the Euroleague in Friday night's game. Eze scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 13 minutes. Montepaschi Siena (3-0) is placed second in group F. So far his team won all three games in the Top 16. This year Eze's overall stats are: 4.5ppg and 3.8rpg in the six games. He has dual citizenship: Nigerian and Italian. Eze used to play for the Nigerian national team four years ago.

Jeleel Akindele

#6. Center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, college: Chicago St., currently plays in Italy) contributed to Juvecaserta's surprising victory against the second-ranked Banco di Sardegna Sassari (11-3) 88-81 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. Akindele scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 28 minutes. JuveCaserta (7-7) is placed ninth in the SerieA. Akindele belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #3 with 8.1rpg. This year his other stats are: 11.6ppg and 1.1spg in the 14 games. Akindele is a former international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team four years ago.

Aloysius Anagonye

#7. Former international forward Aloysius Anagonye (203-81, college: Michigan St., currently plays in Greece) led Ilysiakos to a victory against the sixth-ranked Ikaros (5-6) 66-64 in the Greek A1 in Saturday night's game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds. It was his first game for Ilysiakos this season. His team is placed second from the bottom (#13) in the A1. They ended the series of nine consecutive loses. Anagonye holds both American and Nigerian passports. He used to play for the Nigerian national team four years ago.

Alade Aminu

#8. Center Alade Aminu (210-87, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Turkey) contributed to Karsiyaka's victory against the tenth-ranked Erdemir (5-9) 64-54 in the Turkish TBL last Saturday. Aminu scored only 3 points in 18 minutes. Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (11-3) is placed fourth in the TBL. Aminu has relatively good stats this year: 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.3spg in the 14 games. He plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

Andy Ogide

#9. International forward Andy Ogide (204-87, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Ourense (15-13) in their last game on Friday. Despite Ogide's very good performance his team was edged 85-83 in Pamplona by the lower-ranked Planasa NV (#6). He was the second best scorer with 18 points. Ogide also added 7 rebounds. Ogide is currently fifth on the list of best rebounders. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.6ppg, 7.0rpg and 1.3spg. Ogide is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

Abdullahi Kuso

   #10. Forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC, currently plays in Japan), who plays in the Japanese BJ League couldn't help Miyazaki Shining Suns (3-21) in their last game. Despite his good performance the tenth-placed Miyazaki Shining Suns lost 84-96 in Shiga to the higher-ranked (#5) L-Stars in the Western group. Kuso had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks in 29 minutes. It was Miyazaki Shining Suns' fifth consecutive loss in a row. This year Kuso has relatively solid stats: 14.0ppg, 12.7rpg and 1.3bpg in the three games. He is a former international player as six years ago he still played for the Nigerian senior national team.

   #11. Former U22 international power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St., currently plays in Israel) contributed to a Hod Hasharon's victory against the eighth-ranked Hapoel Kfar Saba 80-68 in the Israeli National League (second division) on Tuesday night. Odiakosa had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 4 assists in 33 minutes. Odiakosa is currently seventh on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). He has very impressive stats this year: 19.7ppg, 15.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2bpg in the 12 games. Odiakosa used to play for the Nigerian U22 national team nine years ago.

   #12. Former U19 international guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi (193-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Loyola Mary win their game against the Santa Clara University 84-80 in the NCAA on Thursday night. He recorded 13 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. This season Egbeyemi has very high stats. He averages: 19.7ppg, 15.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2bpg. Egbeyemi used to play for the Nigerian U19 national team back in 2007.

   #13. International forward Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (210-85, college: Maryland, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Lagun Aro GBC in their game against Regal FC Barcelona in the Spanish ACB. He recorded only 4 points in 13 minutes. His team was crushed by 48 points 98-50. Ibekwe is the league's best blocker with 1.8bpg. He also averaged so far 8.1ppg and 5.3rpg in the 16 games. Ibekwe holds both American and Nigerian passports. He is also Nigerian national team player.

   #14. Former U16 international center Christopher Obekpa (206-93, currently studies in the States) helped St.John's edge the Rutgers, The State University 58-56 in the NCAA on Wednesday night. Obekpa scored only 4 points, had 11 rebounds and made 5 blocks in 38 minutes. This year his total stats are: 8.1ppg and 5.3rpg in the 16 games. Obekpa used to play for the Nigerian U16 national team back in 2008.

The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:

   #1. Stan Okoye (198-F-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) led VMI to a victory against the Presbyterian College (0-2) 86-77 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. He scored 39 points (!!!) and grabbed 8 rebounds in 37 minutes. The Virginia Military Institute has 2-0 conference record this season. It's Okoye's fourth year with the team.

   #2. Emeka Okafor (206-F/C-82, college: Connecticut, currently plays in NBA) contributed to a 2-point Washington Wizards' victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder (27-8) 101-99 in the NBA on Monday night. He had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting the same number of rebounds. Okafor also added 3 assists and 2 blocks in 37 minutes. The Washington Wizards have rather weak 5-28 record this season. It was his team's first victory after five consecutive loses. Okafor has relatively good stats this year: 7.9ppg, 7.3rpg and 1.3bpg in the 33 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American.

   #3. Ekpe Udoh (208-F/C-87, college: Baylor, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the Milwaukee Bucks (18-16) in their last game. Despite Udoh's good performance the Milwaukee Bucks lost 101-115 on the road to the Houston Rockets. He scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes. This year Udoh's overall stats are: 4.8ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.2bpg in the 33 games.

   #4. Gani Lawal (205-C/F-88, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Italy) contributed to an Lottomatica Roma's victory against one of league's weakest teams Angelico Biella (3-11) 67-59 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. He recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 15 rebounds. Lawal also added 3 blocks. Acea Virtus Roma (9-5) is placed fifth in the SerieA. Lawal is ranked sixth on the list of the best rebounders in the league and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 13.2ppg, 7.9rpg and 1.3bpg. Lawal is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #5. Festus Ezeli (210-C-89, college: Vanderbilt, currently plays in NBA) was not able to help the Golden State Warriors (22-12) in their game against the Memphis Grizzlies (23-10) in the NBA. He recorded 6 points and had 3 steals in 25 minutes. The Golden State Warriors lost 87-94 in Memphis to the Grizzlies. This year Ezeli's overall stats are: 2.9ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.1bpg in the 33 games.

   #6. Olaseni Lawal (208-F/C-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wayne St., MI, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Tezenis VE (7-7) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Lawal's very good performance Tezenis VE was defeated 69-64 in Veroli by the lower-ranked Prima (#12). He recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 15 rebounds. Lawal is currently first on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (third place). He has very reliable stats this season: 10.8ppg, 13.6rpg, 1.5bpg and 2.1spg. Lawal has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #7. Experienced Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle, currently plays in Brazil) contributed to a 2-point Bauru's victory against the tenth-ranked Limeira 84-82 in the Brazilian NBB on Monday night. He scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 27 minutes. Agba is currently fifth on the list of best rebounders with 8.3rpg. This year his other stats are: 12.3ppg in the 11 games. Agba also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #8. Alex Owumi (196-G-84, college: Alcorn St., currently plays in United Kingdom), who plays in the British BBL couldn't help Worcester Wolves (9-8) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Worcester Wolves was defeated 89-82 in Leicester by the leading Riders. Owumi was the second best scorer with 23 points. He also added 4 rebounds. Owumi is currently eighth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (fifth place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Owumi averages: 16.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.4apg and 1.1spg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #9. Nnanna Egwu (211-F/C-92, currently studies in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the Ohio State University 74-55 in the NCAA last Saturday. He scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Egwu's total stats this season are: 4.5ppg and 3.8rpg.

   #10. Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: La Salle, currently plays in Japan) led Iwate Big Bulls to a victory over the tenth-ranked Gunma crushing them 90-62 in the Japanese BJ League on Sunday night. He was the best player in that game. Okosa scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 30 minutes. Okosa has relatively good stats this year: 15.0ppg, 8.3rpg and 2.9apg in the 24 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

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PANAMA

Dionisio Gomez Camargo's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Panamanians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Panamanians who are currently playing abroad.

Dionisio Gomez Camargo

#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas, currently plays in Japan). Gomez Camargo led Shiga L-Stars to a victory over the tenth-ranked Miyazaki Shining Suns (3-21) 96-84 in the Japanese BJ League last Sunday. He was MVP of the game. Gomez Camargo recorded a double-double by scoring 36 points and getting 16 rebounds. He also added 7 assists. Shiga Lakestars (14-10) are placed fifth in Western group. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Gomez Camargo has relatively good stats this season: 13.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 48.4% and FT: 63.0%. He played for the Panamanian senior national team two years ago.

Gary Forbes

#2. Second place goes to former international swingman Gary Forbes (201-85, college: Virginia, currently plays in China), who plays in the Chinese CBA. Forbes could not help Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (10-10) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Zhejiang Guangsha Lions lost 91-103 in a derby game to the higher-ranked (#7) Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank. Forbes was the top scorer with 26 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 40 minutes. It's Forbes' first season with the team. Forbes is currently sixth on the list of top scorers with 30.2ppg. This year his other stats are: 8.1rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3FGP: 32.5% and FT: 73.8% in the 11 games he played so far. Forbes is a naturalized American. He played for the Panamanian national team in 2011. Strangely Forbes has never played in Panama.

Michael Hicks

#3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international swingman Michael Hicks (194-76, agency: Court Side, college: Texas A&M-CC, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division). He was not able to help Tuscany Pistoia (9-4) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Hicks' very good performance Tuscany Pistoia was defeated 75-70 on the road by the one of league's weakest teams Upea CdO (#14). He was the top scorer with 17 points. Hicks also added 5 passes. Hicks is currently eighth on the league's list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Hicks averages: 18.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 36.4% and FT: 88.7%. He played for the Panamanian national team two years ago.

Danilo Pinnock

#4. Guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington, currently plays in Mexico) was the major contributor in a Halcones Rojos' victory against the ninth-ranked Abejas (19-20) 88-84 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) last Saturday. Pinnock scored 16 points in 35 minutes. Halcones Rojos de Veracruz (32-8) is placed second in the LNBP. It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This year Pinnock has relatively solid stats: 14.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg and 1.2spg in the 19 games. He is a naturalized American. Pinnock is also Panamanian national team player. He used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Antonio Garcia

   #5. Former international power forward Antonio Garcia (203-76, college: Ky Wesleyan, currently plays in Mexico) contributed to a 3-point Panteras' victory against the 11th-ranked Correcaminos (15-24) 91-88 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) on Thursday night. Garcia recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 3 assists. Panteras de Aguascalientes (27-12) is placed fifth in the LNBP. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Garcia is currently first on the list of best rebounders. He has very reliable stats this season: 12.1ppg, 10.5rpg and 3.7apg. Garcia used to play for the Panamanian national team two years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Panamanian passport but never been selected to any of Panamanian national teams:

   #1. Jamelle Horne (200-F-88, college: Arizona, currently plays in Mexico) led Soles to a victory over one of league's weakest teams Osos (6-34) crushing them 94-58 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Friday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Horne recorded 39 points (!!!) and grabbed 6 rebounds in 23 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. Soles de Mexicali (30-9) is placed third in the LNBP. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Horne has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 22.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.1apg and 1.4spg in the 11 games he played so far.

   #2. Jordan Henriquez (211-F-89, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help Kansas State University in a victory against the Oklahoma State University (1-1) 73-67 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. He scored only 4 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 14 minutes. The Kansas State University has 1-0 conference record this season. Henriquez is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Kansas St.'s roster. Henriquez has reliable stats this season: 12.1ppg, 10.5rpg and 3.7apg in the 37 games. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Henriquez has never played in Panama.

   #3. Gabriel Giron (192-G-88, currently plays in Mexico) contributed to an easy victory against the 13th-ranked Guerreros (8-32) crushing them 102-63 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) last Thursday. He scored 6 points, made 4 passes and 3 steals. Fuerza Regia Monterrey (24-15) is placed seventh in the LNBP. Giron's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Giron's overall stats this season are: 7.7ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.8apg. He has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican.

Other top Panamanian players, who play abroad:

Joel Munoz (179-PG-80) plays for Paulistano in Brazilian NBB
Jamaal Levy (206-C-83) plays for Olimpico de La Banda in Argentinian LigaA
Levour Warren (196-SF-81) plays for Air Avellino in Italian SerieA
Jose Lloreda (203-F/C-80) plays for Sionista in Argentinian LigaA
Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87) plays for 9 de Julio in Argentinian LigaA
Leonardo Pomare (203-F-86) plays for Kyoto Hannaryz in Japanese BJ League
Daniel King (203-F-87) plays for Maldonado in Uruguayan LUB
Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-89) plays for Maldonado in Uruguayan LUB

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Panamanian playing currently abroad. Go to Panamanian Abroad Page to see completed list.

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PARAGUAY

CERRO wins 8th NATIONAL LEAGUE - by Santiago Maciel

The World's Best-Paid Athletes
Lacey Rose, 03.22.06, 01:40 PM EST
Contracts, prize money and endorsement deals total more than $700 million for the top 25.

Click here for the best-paid athletes.

New York -- Aside from being rich and talented, what do many on the list of our best-paid athletes have in common?

Nike ( NKE - news - people ).
Click here to see this year's list of The World's Best-Paid Athletes.
Of the 25 athletes on our list, who earned a collective $702.4 million in just one year according to Forbes' annual listing of the World's Most Powerful Celebrities, 12 have a deal with the Beaverton, Ore.-based company.

"Nike is perhaps the most ubiquitous and sophisticated marketer in the sports world today," says Dean Bonham, chief executive of the Bonham Group, a Greenwood Village, Colo.-based sports marketing consulting firm. "[The company has] not only been able to attach themselves with athletes who have become celebrities, they've actually been able to create celebrities."

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mark CAGUIOA
  Barang.
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Caguioa, Barang.	18.4
2. Mercado, Meralco	18.2
3. Canaleta, Air21 E.	17.6
4. Simon, San M.	16.9
5. Santos, Petron B.	16.5
6. Cardona, Meralco	16.3
7. Castro, Talk N Te.	15.8
8. Miller, Global Port	15.5
9. Yap, San M.	15.2
10. Baguio, Alaska A.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Arwind SANTOS
  Petron B.
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Santos, Petron B.	11.8
2. Abueva, Alaska Ac.	10.5
3. Pingris, San M.	9.8
4. Maierhofer, Barang.	8.7
5. Williams, Talk N.	8.2
6. Cruz, Rain or Shine	8.0
7. de Ocampo, San M.	7.3
8. Reyes, Meralco	7.3
9. Mamaril, Barang.	7.2
10. Hodge, Meralco	6.8

Assists Per Game

Willie MILLER
  Global Port
  (180-PG-77)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Miller, Global Port	6.4
2. Mercado, Meralco	6.4
3. Cabagnot, Petron	5.4
4. Alapag, Talk N Te.	5.1
5. Tenorio, Barang.	4.8
6. Casio, Alaska Aces	4.4
7. Lutz, Petron Blaze	4.0
8. Miranda, Petron B.	3.7
9. Norwood, Rain o.	3.5
10. Barroca, San M.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Alex CABAGNOT
  Petron B.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Cabagnot, Petron	1.5
2. Reyes, Talk N Text	1.5
3. Custodio, Air21 E.	1.4
4. Abueva, Alaska Ac.	1.2
5. Tenorio, Barang.	1.1
6. Lingganay, Global	1.1
7. Chan, Rain or Shine	1.0
8. Barroca, San M.	1.0
9. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.0
10. Caguioa, Barang.	0.9

Blocks Per Game

Arwind SANTOS
  Petron B.
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Santos, Petron B.	1.5
2. Hodge, Meralco	1.3
3. Abueva, Alaska Ac.	1.3
4. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.1
5. Mamaril, Barang.	0.9
6. Washington, Petron	0.9
7. Devance, San M.	0.9
8. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	0.9
9. Norwood, Rain o.	0.9
10. Baclao, Air21 E.	0.8

ASEAN League: Petron Blaze fire past Indonesia Warriors in season opener - by Eurobasket News

Indonesia Warriors - Petron Blaze 53:64

Petron Blaze opened the new ASEAN League season with victory. They overcame the defending champions Indonesia Warriors for the first win in the season. Mike Burtscher (198-F-85) came up with 15 points and 19 rebounds to pace the winners.
The Beermen jumped to an early lead. They held their opponents to 9 points in the first quarter to ensure a 7-point lead after the starting frame. The Warriors adjusted defensively in the second frame. The hosts picked up the tempo and narrowed the deficit at 5-point mark at halftime 25:30. Petron Blaze were back in the drivers seat in the third term. The Philippine team held the Warriors at 11 points and raced to a 45:36 advantage with one quarter remaining. The visitors stayed in control throughout the fourth frame cruising to the victory at the end. Chris Banchero (185-G, college: Seattle Pacific) finished with 14 points, while Leo Avenido (186-G-78) added 10 points for Petron Blaze. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) answered with 15 points for the Warriors. Chris Daniels (200-PF-82, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Georgia) netted 10 points and grabbed 11 boards in the loss.

Indonesia Warriors: Steve Thomas 15, Chris Daniels 10+11 boards
Petron Blaze: Mike Burtscher 15+19 boards, Chris Banchero 14, Leo Avenido 10

2012 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game Two Roundup - by Enzo Flojo

In a team chock-full of Fil-Ams, two locally bred stars have come to the fore to spearhead the Tropang Texters 2-0 series lead over the Elasto-Painters.

In Game One, it was Larry Fonaciers dagger trey that sent ROS packing, while here in Game Two it was the hot shooting of Ranidel De Ocampo that spotted the Texters with a commanding series advantage and got the defending Philippine Cup Champs within two wins of a three-peat.

De Ocampo shot 9-of-17 from the field to finish with a personal conference-high 24 points while also adding 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He dominated from practically everywhere on the floor, hitting 3 triples in the process. Jayson Castro backed him up with 21 points while Kelly Williams finished with a dozen markers.

Once again, the TNT defense stifled the usually explosive shooting of the Painters, who were limited to just 36% FG shooting including just 6-of-23 from beyond the arc. Smart Gilas shooter Jeff Chan had another miserable outing, making just 3 of his 11 field goal attempts to end up with only 9 points. JR Quiahan and Paul Lee led ROSs losing cause with 16 and 15 points respectively. Coach Yeng Guiaos boys face a virtual must-win situation in Game Three if they want to really get back in this series.

Game Recaps:
TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 89-81

Ranidel de Ocampo was a one-man wrecking crew for Talk N Text in Game Two of the Philippine Cup finals.

The versatile forward finished with a season-high 24 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and made all but one of his three-point attempts, powering the Tropang Texters to an 89-81 triumph over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, the Tropang Texters posted a 2-0 series lead, moving halfway to completing history by becoming the first team to win the Philippine Cup crown in three straight seasons.

But for Talk N Text coach Norman Black, going two up isnt an occasion to celebrate just yet.

Were up 2-0, but as far as Im, concerned, it takes four wins to win the championship, said Black, whose Tropang Texters know their lead isnt a safe one. In 2009, Talk N Text came back from the same deficit in their finals series against Alaska to win the Philippine Cup.

But the squad certainly looks poised to repeat if De Ocampo could keep up his performance. The former St. Francis of Assisi star did his damage from all over the court, posting up smaller defenders and drawing out Rain or Shines big men with 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc.

He scored six of the last nine points to preserve the win for Talk N Text, who could go up 3-0 in Game Three set Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Ranidel is our best post-up player, our best three-point shooter and one of our best big men, said Black.

Hes been doing that the entire year. He gave us leadership, showed composure and played very physical. He made some big shots for us down the stretch.

TNT 89- De Ocampo 24, Castro 21, Williams 12, Fonacier 7, Dillinger 6, Aban 6, Reyes 4, Carey 4, Alapag 3, Peek 2, Raymundo 0, Ferriols 0.
ROS 81- Quinahan 16, Lee 15, Cruz 12, Norwood 9, Chan 9, Arana 9, Matias 4, Belga 3, Rodriguez 2, Ibanes 2, Tiu 0, Tang 0.
QS: 23-15, 44-35, 63-63, 89-81

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Rey Joble.)

The 2013 Dubai International Basketball Championships: Gilas Opens with a Win - by Enzo Flojo

This is a repost of the well-written article by my fellow writer, Sir Jude Roque, fromYahoo! Philippines:

Inspired by the recent announcement of FIBA Asia that this years Asian Championship will be held in Manila, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national mens team got off to a rousing start here in the 24th Dubai International Basketball Championship by nipping Al Mouttahed Tripoli of Lebanon, 79-77, Friday at the Al-Ahli Club gym, to the delight of about two thousand Filipino fans.

The nationals shook off a slow start to thwart the No. 3 team in the tough Lebanese league that boasts of three American imports - Marc Salyers, Eric Chatfield and Larry Cox. Salyers is a 69 forward who has played all over Europe, while Chatfield is a hotshot from the University of New Mexico. Cox is a 610 behemoth who leads the Lebanese league in blocks with 3.9 per game.

The Lebanese started the game on fire, leading by as many as 15 points, at 18-3, on two triples by Salyers. Mouttahed was ahead, 22-10, after the first period, ut the gritty young Philippine squad unloaded five treys in the second quarter, two of which came from Meralco Bolts ace gunner Ronjay Buenafe, to take the half, 41-40.
Naturalized import Marcus Douthit took control in the third canto as he scattered ten markers to keep Gilas still on top, 59-58, going into the payoff period.

In the fourth quarter, it was a Garvo Lanete and Kevin Alas show as the former NCAA rivals collaborated with a run-and-gun attack to counter the clear size advantage of Mouttahed. Alas, the former Letran standout, fed ex-San Beda star Lanete with a couple of excellent assists. Lanete connected on a triple and two floaters in a three-minute span.

Alas also fed Greg Slaughter with an alley hoop pass that the former completed with a slam, and delivered a crucial three-ball with just under four minutes left. But in the end, it was excellent team defense that sealed the victory for this Philippine squad that was formed in less than two months before the tournament, capped by a Lanete steal in the dying seconds of the game.

Douthit led Gilas with 20 points and 8 boards, while Lanete and Buenafe added 15 and 10 markers respectively. Alas also had a superb game with 9 points, 5 assists and 4 steals.

In the Jones Cup, all of our wins came from behind. Never, never give-up. But I thought the key in the endgame was our ability to make some stops, said head coach Chot Reyes.

Gilas and Mouttahed engaged in a shooting contest, but the Filipinos prevailed with 11 out of 25 triples as opposed to their opponents 8-of-31. The bigger Lebanese, however, won the battle of the boards, 35-29, including 17 offensive rebounds. Gilas had more assists, 15-9.

Gilas faces home team Al-Ahli Club, UAEs top professional team, later today.

Smart Gilas and Mouttahed are joined in Group B by Al-Ahli Club and Jordans Al Riyadi Sporting Aramex Club. In Group A are Sagesse and Al-Riyadi, both from Beirut, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates national team. A team from Kazakhstan was supposed to be part of Group A, but backed-out at the last minute.

Two years ago, the first batch of Gilas under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman placed second behind Egypts El Ettehad Club in this tournament. The only remaining member of that batch is Douthit. Slaughter was part of the 2010 Gilas squad that placed third behind Mahram of Iran and Al-Riyadi of Lebanon.

The Philippine team will easily become the most popular squad here as Dubai has over 800,000 Filipino overseas workers. Pinoys make up the biggest crowd in this annual tournament as they look forward to seeing the nationals in action.

The other members of the squad are KG Canaleta of Air 21, JayR Reyes of Meralco, RR Garcia, Ronald Pascual, Jake Pascual, and Matthew Ganuelas of NLEX, and Fil-Am recruits Justin Melton and Isaac Holstein. Coach Chot is assisted by former national coach Jong Uichico.

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PUERTO RICO

Key dates for BSN - by Marcos Carlo

The league announced their key dates for this season.

January 16:

Capitanes begin their practices

January 23:

Last day to submit application for rookie draft

January 30:

BSN Rookie Draft at 3PM al Olympic Committee

February 15:

Indios de Mayaguez begin their practices

February 18:

Leones de Ponce begin their practices

March 1:

Caciques/Gigantes begin their practices

Preseason games:

March 8-9:

Return of the King Cup. Place: Pachin Vicens Coliseum with four teams.

March 12-13:

Pirates Cup at Raymond Dalmau Coliseum with four teams.

March 15-16:

Vaqueros vs. Caciques/Gigantes at Tortola

March 16-17:

Cano Jirao Cup:

Palacio de Deportes Mayaguez. Teams: Piratas, Atleticos, Capitanes, Indios.

March 20-24

Chrysler Cup in Bayamon.

March 31:

Beggining of 2013 season: Piratas vs. Indios.

Garcia submits his name for BSN Draft - by Luis Modestti

BSN announced that Angel Garcia (209-C/F-88, college: Memphis) submitted his papers to become available for the 2013 Rookie Draft.

Garcia is currently playing in Japan for Toyama Grouses where he averages 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23 games.

He is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming draft to be held on January 30. Other impact player that submitted their names are Renaldo Balkman and Jorge Brian Diaz.

The first pick belongs to Brujos de Guayama, the second to Piratas and third to Leones de Ponce.

Piratas finally take Garcia by giving Graham in a trade: - by Luis Modestti

Piratas de Quebradillas gave guard Paul Graham (192-G-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: Florida Atlantic) to finally get Jonathan Garcia (183-G-87, agency: Paris Global Sports) from Caciques/Gigantes.

Both teams talked last month but never agreed on a trade where Piratas would give Giovanni Jimenez for Garcia. At the end they gave Graham for Garcia who owns the BSN assists record with 33.

Graham is currently playing in Romania with Gaz Metan Medias and averages 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 15 games. In the EuroChallenge he scores 6.2 points per game.

Now Piratas have depth on the point guard position. Both Garcia and Jimenez are expected to come from the bench since Kevin Lisch was signed as an import.

Ubiles is back at Warriors - by Eurobasket News

Santa Cruz Warriors signed 27-year old Puerto Rican ex-international swingman Edwin Ubiles (198-93kg-86, college: Siena). Ubiles already started the season at Cholet Basket in French ProA. In only one game this season he recorded just 2 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Ubiles was selected to D-League All-Star Game in 2012.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as His college team won MAAC Tournament for three years in a row (between 2008 and 2010). He also represented Puerto Rico at the Centrobasket in San Juan (Puerto Rico) last year. Ubiles team won Silver and his stats at that event were 4 games: 5.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 45.8%, FT: 33.3%.
Ubiles has played previously professionally in NBA (Washington Wizards) and Puerto Rico (Indios).
He attended Siena College until 2010 and it will be his third season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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ROMANIA

Standings - D2

Liga I Standings

Seria 1
1. Vabova		5-0
2. Phoenix Corona		4-3
3. Brasov		3-4
4. West Olympia		2-3
5. Magic Sibiu		1-5
Seria 2
1. Concordia		7-0
2. Steaua Turabo		4-2
3. Stiinta B.		3-4
4. Phoenix Galati		1-5
5. Craiova 2		1-5
Seria 3
1. Politehnica		4-2
2. CSU Galati		4-3
3. Ploiesti II		3-3
4. Rapid B.		3-4
5. BT Bucuresti		2-4

Regular Season: Round 9

Jan. 19: Brasov - Vabova
Jan. 19: Magic Sibiu - West Olympia

Jan. 19: Stiinta B. - Craiova 2
Jan. 19: Phoenix Galati - Steaua Turabo

Jan. 19: Rapid B. - Politehnica
Jan. 19: Ploiesti II - BT Bucuresti

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RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

1. Univ.Surgut		13-2
2. Ural Ekaterinb.		11-3
3. Novosybirsk		11-4
4. Ataman		9-5
5. Ruskon-Mord.		9-6
6.